MIPP awaits MIC’s move on PN entry, says no formal talks yet

SHAH ALAM - Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) president P. Punithan said there have been no formal discussions about the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) joining Perikatan Nasional (PN), stressing that any such move should come through proper channels.

"There have been no talks so far and I’m waiting for MIC to open up," he told Sinar Daily.

Punithan said although he maintained good friendship with MIC president Tan Sri S.A Vigneswaran, the matter has not been raised officially.

"You want to come to PN, you apply," he said.

Punithan dismissed suggestions of backdoor negotiations, saying the relationship between MIPP and MIC has always been free of personal animosity.

"Between MIPP and MIC, we don’t have egos. We can always discuss if there’s anything. So far, nobody has approached me for talks, including Vigneswaran.

"I don't think there is any leader within PN trying to negotiate behind the scenes for self-interest, undermining MIPP or PN’s collective leadership spirit," he said.

His remarks came as speculations mount over MIC’s future with Barisan Nasional (BN).

Recently, the party’s top leadership, including Vigneswaran and deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, reportedly met former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex, where they were said to have bid 'sayonara' to BN.

The move, together with statements from MIC grassroots leaders in several states expressing hope to align with PN, has fuelled talks that the party was preparing to chart a new political course.

Punithan, however, stressed that MIPP remained focused on strengthening its own standing within PN and the Indian community.

"We have been with PN for almost two years and it is very clear that the Indian vote is shifting. At present, we hold a vote share of about 25 per cent to 30 per cent, the largest among all Indian parties.

"We are performing and rising. PN is the next government and MIPP will represent the Indian community in that government, no second thought about it," he said.

He added that while informal conversations among PN leaders about MIC’s possible entry have taken place, no decisions have been made.

"I always say this. Let them apply formally first. MIPP has its own stand and party leaders have entrusted me to decide on this matter.

"Yes, here and there, we’ve had informal chats between PN leaders, but nothing is finalised. I’ve chosen not to speak unnecessarily and give value to another party whose stand isn’t clear," he said.

Punithan, who also serves as PN deputy chairman and sits on its supreme council, emphasised that decisions on new partners must be discussed collectively within the coalition.

For now, Punithan said he preferred to reserve further comments until MIC makes its intentions known, pointing out that speculations alone should not drive the coalition’s agenda.