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.

“MIPP’s 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 yesterday.

MIPP is the first Indian-based party to join Perikatan, which comprises Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan and Sabah Progressive Party.

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

In a Facebook post on Monday, Punithan said MIPP’s inclusion to Perikatan was not only a recognition of 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.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/24/indian-based-party-joins-perikatan-nasional