Selangor PN Chief Azmin Ali Dismisses Claims, Affirms Inclusive Policy Toward MIPP Integration

Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, the Selangor chief of Perikatan Nasional (PN), has rejected claims, among Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) associate wing members regarding PN's decision to accept the Malaysian Indian Progressive Party (MIPP) as a new component party. Azmin emphasized that PN embraces an inclusive and moderate policy, welcoming individuals and groups that align with their principles.

Why this matters: The addition of MIPP to the PN coalition has raised questions about the party's ability to gain non-Malay support and the consultation process with its existing members. Azmin's response seeks to address these concerns and reaffirm PN's commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

In a statement on Wednesday, Azmin stressed that diversity is a valuable asset for PN's continued progress. "PN's policy is inclusive and moderate, and we welcome any individuals and groups that accept PN's policy to join them," he said. The Selangor PN chief's remarks come in response to an associate wing leader who questioned the statement by MIPP president P Punithan, claiming that the entry of the new component party was "just a branding exercise" and that PN cannot expect to gain non-Malay support by "promoting non-Malay faces".

Coalition Consultation: The associate wing leader also alleged that the wing, particularly its Indian leaders, were not consulted about MIPP joining the coalition. However, Azmin maintained that these views are personal opinions and do not reflect the stance of the party as a whole.

Azmin's dismissal of the dissatisfaction claims comes as PN prepares for the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election. The coalition has decided to join forces with MIPP in an effort to appeal to Indian voters, a move that Mitra chairman P. Prabakaran believes will not sway the mature voters in KKB. Prabakaran urged the opposition to refrain from spreading misinformation about the unity government and announced that Mitra will be providing more aid for the Indian community in the near future.

Key Takeaways

• Azmin rejects claims of dissatisfaction among Bersatu members over MIPP joining PN.
• PN embraces inclusive and moderate policy, welcoming individuals and groups aligned with its principles.
• MIPP's entry raises questions about PN's ability to gain non-Malay support and consultation process.
• Azmin dismisses dissatisfaction claims as personal opinions, not reflecting the party's stance.
• PN partners with MIPP for the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election to appeal to Indian voters.