MIPP bukan ‘pengikut’ PAS, akan tentukan hala tuju sendiri

Parti Rakyat India Malaysia (MIPP) rejected claims that it would simply follow the direction of the Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) if Perikatan Nasional (PN) were to be dissolved. The party's deputy president, S Subramaniam, asserted that MIPP possesses its own leadership, organizational structure, skills, principles, and political agenda, including advocating for the interests of the Indian community.

He emphasized that MIPP's inclusion in PN was based on political understanding and commitment to working together with other component parties, rather than being subservient to any specific party. MIPP is determined to keep PN as a strong political coalition, but it is not a party waiting for another party to determine its future.

Subramaniam addressed a report from FMT that cited analysts' speculation about MIPP and Gerakan possibly following PAS's direction if PN could no longer function as a coalition. Sivamurugan Pandian from the University of Malaya noted that the two parties might continue together with PAS if the Islamic party provides sufficient electoral choices and a clear political identity for them.

MIPP was accepted as one of PN's component parties in April 2024 when former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin became its chairman. The Election Department of Malaysia (JPPM) suspended all PN's powerful activities on Sept 23 following a notice requesting clarifications regarding allegations of disqualification of the coalition. JPPM stressed that the move was not a decision to cancel the party's registration.

Subramaniam further stated that if there are changes in the political landscape in the future, MIPP would assess the situation based on the party's interests, members, and the Indian community. He emphasized that MIPP's cooperation with PAS and other PN parties is based on mutual respect, and each party needs to have its own identity and voice.

"Political coalition cannot function effectively if one party considers other parties not to have their own voice. "Every component party must have a meaningful role, clear political identity, and rightful representation in a coalition," he said. Subramaniam also rejected the idea that MIPP's stance depends solely on the party's symbol or the chance of parliamentary seats given by political allies.

According to him, MIPP is strengthening its roots and building its political identity to offer an alternative platform for the Indian community. Subramaniam said the party's main priority at the moment is strengthening its organization and roots and continuing cooperation with its political allies. "MIPP will work with political allies, but we will maintain our identity, principles, and voice.

"Ultimately, MIPP's future will be determined by its leadership, central committee, and party members, not political speculation."