KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) is ready to voice out against potentially divisive statements made by fellow Perikatan Nasional (PN) figures.
MIPP president P. Punithan assured that the Indian-based party, which became PN’s newest coalition member last month, has no intention to bow down to any political leader who issues racially insensitive remarks.
“Any leader can have their own views. We live in a multiracial community, so I don’t think it’s possible to put a full stop to these (differing) views,” Punithan said in a recent interview with Scoop.
“It’s normal to have disagreements (over) different views and ideas. I’m looking forward to some disagreements (within PN) and I’m prepared.”
The former Selangor MIC Youth chief said this when asked about PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s apparent swipe at vernacular schools, as evidenced by his call for voters in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election to “remember” candidates’ educational backgrounds.
Fadhli, who is also Pasir Mas MP, appeared to take issue with Pakatan Harapan candidate Pang Sock Tao’s Chinese education, despite scoring straight As in her UPSR and SPM examinations.
This comes after social media users questioned Bersatu candidate Khairul Azhari Saut’s tertiary education.
Commenting on the dispute, Punithan said while he disagrees with Fadhli’s views on the matter, political leaders are free to express their thoughts, and such comments do not reflect a coalition or its party’s stance on the matter.
“If (Fadhli) has something to say, it’s not a must for PN or even MIPP to agree (with his remarks). We’re not put in a situation where I’m under pressure to agree with what they say,” Punithan said.
“I have a responsibility towards my community and all Malaysians to ensure unity. I can’t say that just because I’m Indian, I will only take care of Indians.
“If I put out a populist statement knowing that Chinese and Indians will be hurt by what I say, I should take responsibility.”
Bersatu, PAS associate wings redundant with MIPP in Perikatan?
Meanwhile, Punithan asserted that MIPP’s inclusion into PN, which was formalised on April 22, will not have a detrimental effect on the coalition’s non-Malay associate wings as the latter remains secure.
Referencing how Bersatu has a Bersekutu wing for its non-Bumiputera members while PAS has a Dewan Himpunan Penyokong PAS and Gerakan also has its fair share of Indian representatives, Punithan downplayed concerns on conflict among PN’s non-Malay members.
When asked about whether members from the associate wings had expressed an interest in joining MIPP, Punithan said the party is willing to offer memberships to anyone who supports its struggles for the Indian community.
“I’m not saying no (to members of associate wings joining MIPP), but there is no open invitation. As long as they can accept our ideology and intention for the community, they’re welcomed.”
Punithan also admitted that some detractors doubted MIPP when it joined PN, a coalition with a Malay-Muslim centric image.
“PAS and Bersatu have been in government before and there were no issues of anti-Indians at that time. Why are people now suddenly talking about PAS being a threat to non-Malays?
“I put my trust in the Malay leaders and believe they will treat everyone equally and care for other races.”
Already revved up for the next general election, Punithan said MIPP, bolstered by its new-found recognition as a PN component party, has plans in store for the Indian community, including a new economic agenda.
“(PN chairman) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, (PN secretary-general) Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and PAS leaders have assured me that the Indian community will be well taken care of when we form a government.
“They have given me the mandate to come up with a plan for the community.” – May 4, 2024