THE Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP), a new partner in the Perikatan Nasional pact, has promised to respect and protect the honor and dignity of the Indian community, unlike the unity government that has taken the community for a ride.

“I don’t think Pakatan Harapan respects the dignity of the Indians. When it comes to our rights, the government should give its due importance to the community too,” said MIPP president P Punithan.

“MIPP however will ensure the dignity of the Indians are respected too when PN becomes the government.

“I don’t think the multiracial parties have that in their heart,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He also said that MIPP was ready to work with another Indian party, Urimai which is led by former DAP leader P Ramasamy.

Urimai is campaigning against PH in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

“They are going on the ground on their own. There are no arrangements yet,” he said.

“We don’t mind inviting them for our events as long as they support and ensure the PN win.”

He also extended an invitation to other parties to work together.

“I would like to call the Malaysian Advancement Party, Muda, PSM to work together with the opposition. Nobody wants to work in a silo.”

Meanwhile, a group of 17 Indian-based civil society movements from Kuala Kubu Baharu has thrown their support for the PH candidate.

The groups consist of resident associations, Hindu temples and social, welfare, cultural, youth, sports and education organisations.

Their joint support was mooted by businessmen and philanthropist P Thiagarajan who is known to be close to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The race to get the Indian voters has heated up with both PH and Perikatan trying to win over the 7,200 voters from the community.

With PH looking to win over the Chinese voters and Perikatan doing the same with the Malay voters, the Indians here are now being seen as potential kingmakers.

PN/Bersatu’s Khairul Azhari Saut is in a four-cornered tussle against Pang Sock Tao of the DAP representing the government coalition, PRM’s Hafizah Zainuddin and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin.

The polls are scheduled for May 11. – May 5, 2024.