Summary

  • Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) believes it would be difficult for Gerakan to capture Penang as DAP enjoys strong Chinese support in the state.

  • MIPP P Punithan points out that a more viable strategy would be to woo Malay and Indian voters, while not ruling out Chinese support.

Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) viewed it as difficult for Gerakan to win over Penang as DAP has strong Chinese support in the state.

MIPP president P Punithan said his party does not discount Gerakan's history in Penang, but a more viable strategy would be to woo Malay and Indian voters while not ruling out Chinese support.

"We are not downgrading Gerakan or underestimating Gerakan leadership but (with) the present situation (it) is not possible for Gerakan to win Penang due to strong Chinese backing (for) DAP.

"I hope Gerakan understands this and is open for discussion. I'm not forcing Gerakan to hand over, it is a mere possible strategy. Let’s discuss and find an amicable solution to win," he said.

After all, MIPP's aim is to win Penang for Perikatan Nasional, he added.

Gerakan pushback

Earlier today, Free Malaysia Today reported Gerakan president Dominic Lau as dismissing suggestions for MIPP to lead PN in Penang.

Lau questioned the basis for such a move, saying that Gerakan had held the chief minister post for 39 years.

Gerakan chief Dominic Lau

On Jan 26, Punithan said his party is open to discussions over it taking on a leadership role in Penang.

This follows an FMT report citing a source, who admitted that PN has struggled to capture Chinese voters even with Gerakan's support.

But on Jan 27, Bersatu associate wing vice-chief R Sanjeevan told MIPP that PN leaders will make the final decision on the matter.

He said MIPP's leadership was merely a suggestion.

Indians’ strong history in Penang

Punithan also pointed out that ethnic Indians have a significant history in Penang.

"You can't write Indian Malaysian history without Penang.

"MIPP being an Indian-based party believes we should go back to our history and present possible strategies to win Penang," he added.

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