KUALA KUBU BARU: Perikatan Nasional's (PN) decision to join forces with the Malaysian Indian People Party (MIPP) is an old-fashioned gimmick to woo Indian voters ahead of the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) chairman P. Prabakaran said such a tactic would not work on voters in the state constituency because they were matured in terms of politics.

"MIPP joining Perikatan Nasional is a mere gimmick to fish votes from the Indians. But that is an old-fashioned gimmick that is no longer relevant now.

"I believe the voters in KKB are matured and they will choose a candidate that champions all communities.

"We as the assemblymen and members of parliament from the government will help the voters make the right choice," said Prabakaran, who is also Batu member of parliament.

He was speaking to reporters after a Mitra engagement session with the Indian community here today.

Also present were Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk R. Ramanan; Special Officer to the Selangor Menteri Besar for the Indian Community Dr Gunaraj George, who is also Sentosa assemblyman; and Special Officer to the Prime Minister on Special Affairs Shanmugan Mookan.

MIPP officially joined PN on Monday and it pledged to introduce its agenda, while leading the Indian community in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election and the 16th General Election.

MIPP president S.P. Punithan had said his party was the best option for the Indian community, especially since the support for MIC had dropped tremendously in the last election.

He had also described MIPP's move to join PN as a historical moment for the Malaysian Indian community; and that there was anger towards Pakatan Harapan and their promises and pledges that remain unfulfilled, especially towards the Indian community.

Meanwhile, Prabakaran urged the opposition o stop spreading lies and slander on the unity government.

He said Mitra would be announcing more aid for the Indian community soon.

"Just today, more than 40 people signed up under Mitra to request for aid. We are not only focusing on Hulu Selangor or Selangor. We will also help the Indian community in estates, rural areas and more.

"We (Mitra) have a lot of meetings and we will be announcing more aid for the Indian community soon."

The Election Commision set May 11 for the KKB by-election following the death of its assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong on March 21.

Kuala Kubu Baharu is a mixed seat, with Malays comprising about 50 per cent of the electorate, followed by Chinese (30 per cent) and Indians (18 per cent) voters.

The unity government has decided to field DAP's Pang Sock Tao as its candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election. PN is expected to announce its by-election candidate tonight.

Prabakaran also urged KKB's constituents to give a chance to the unity government candidate and to remember Lee's contributions.

Meanwhile, multiple booths were opened during Mitra's engagement with the Indian community today. Besides Mitra, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional), Social Security Organisation and Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas (DHRRA) set up booths.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/04/1042523/prabakaran-mipp-joining-pn-mere-gimmick