Bersatu associate wing upset by MIPP joining PN, says source
The new Indian party’s absorption into the opposition coalition is ‘nothing more than a branding exercise’, an associate wing leader says.
PETALING JAYA: A Bersatu associate wing leader has lifted the lid on simmering disgruntlement among its members after Perikatan Nasional (PN) admitted the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) as its newest component on Monday.
Disputing MIPP president P Punithan’s statement that the party’s inclusion in PN reflected the coalition’s commitment to the wellbeing of the Indian community, a Bersatu associate wing leader told FMT the new component’s inclusion was “nothing more than a branding exercise”.
“Generally, the associate wing feels upset about this, especially its Indian leaders. We were not even consulted about this,” the source told FMT.
“The justification of accepting an Indian-based party because PN needs an ‘Indian face’ is totally absurd (and) will directly undermine the wing.”
He said PN cannot expect to secure non-Malay support simply by “promoting non-Malay faces”.
The opposition coalition should instead work on expanding its voter base by addressing fundamental issues affecting the Indian community’s economic development and ensuring equal opportunities and social equality, the source said.
He also said PN should take steps to bolster Bersatu’s associate wing if the coalition is serious about winning Indian support at the ballot box.
“The associate wing’s Indian members are increasing, and it is slowly becoming a formidable Indian vote bank thanks to careful management by the wing’s leadership,” he said.
“Empowering the associate wing is a more practical solution. Moreover, the wing is getting stronger by the day – albeit slowly.”
The wing was established in November 2020 with the aim of attracting non-Malay support for the Muhyiddin Yassin-led party and PN.
MIPP received its membership letter from PN chairman Muhyiddin before the start of a PN Supreme Council meeting on Monday.
In a statement, Punithan, who was appointed a PN deputy chairman, thanked the coalition’s leaders for their support and promised that the party will champion the Indian community’s development.
PN also comprises Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, and the Sabah Progressive Party.
Lallang see, Lallang do.
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