PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) is now a member of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

The Perikatan secretary-general said the decision to accept MIPP was made at the party's supreme council meeting, chaired by Tan Sri Muhiyiddin Yassin, on Monday night (April 22).

"MIPP inclusion as a new member will strengthen the image of Perikatan's struggle for all Malaysians of various races, religions and backgrounds," he said in a statement on Tuesday (April 23).

MIPP was the first Indian-based party in the Perikatan coalition, which comprises Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), PAS, Gerakan and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).

Headed by former Selangor MIC Youth chief P. Punithan, MIPP was registered as a political party in 2019. It applied to join Perikatan in December last year.

In a Facebook post on Monday (April 22), Punithan said MIPP's inclusion into Perikatan was not only a recognition to the party.

"It sends a clear message that the coalition gives priority to the Indian community which is the third largest race in the country," he said.

On the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, Hamzah said the party had activated its election machinery.

The state seat in Selangor fell vacant following the death of its three-term assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong, 58, on March 21.

Pakatan Harapan was expected to name its candidate for the seat today (April 23) while Perikatan had planned to make an announcement on Thursday (April 25).

Nomination day has been fixed on April 27 and polling day on May 11.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/23/the-malaysian-indian-peoples-party-joins-perikatan