Get Indians to lead PN-helmed states first, DAP reps scoff at MIPP

Summary

• DAP representatives criticise the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) for bringing up DAP’s name in an attempt to lobby for an Indian to become Penang chief minister.

• They urge MIPP to get its coalition, Perikatan Nasional, to appoint an Indian as the menteri besar in the states they helm.

• The representatives also say leadership has nothing to do with racial background.

Several DAP leaders chided the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) for using DAP’s name in trying to get Perikatan Nasional to consider an Indian chief minister for Penang.

This comes after MIPP information chief Suthan Mookaiah cited Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh’s inability to become state chief minister despite winning the highest number of votes in the last Penang DAP polls.

“PN governs Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu (and Perlis), yet not a single Indian or non-Malay has been appointed as menteri besar.

“If MIPP genuinely believes in Indian leadership, why hasn’t it fought for Indian representation in these states?

“Does MIPP believe there isn’t a single qualified Indian leader within PN? If so, that’s a failure within their own ranks, not DAP,” said the DAP leaders in a joint statement today.

The statement’s signatories included senator Dr A Lingeshwaran (above), Kota Kemuning assemblyperson S Preakas, and Bagan Dalam assemblyperson K Kumaran.

MIPP joined the PN coalition as a component party in April 2024.

It should be noted that in states which have a sultan, their respective state constitutions specify that the menteri besar candidate must be Malay-Muslim.

Yesterday, Suthan posited that Indians also have a right to lead Penang as the community plays a strong role in the nation’s social fabric.

He then cited Ramkarpal’s case on how the community keeps getting sidelined for top leadership roles.

“He was denied the opportunity to lead the state and to be chief minister. The reason? It’s an ‘open secret’.

“This suppression must stop, irrespective of political parties,” Suthan was reported as saying.

The DAP practises a two-tiered system in which party delegates elect members to national and state leadership committees. These committee members then vote on key party positions.

Under the system, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim became Penang DAP chief last year, with Ramkarpal becoming his deputy.

‘Ironic argument’

The DAP representatives said it was ironic that MIPP expects their party to prove it is inclusive when DAP was the first to create a deputy chief minister position for the Indian community in Penang.

The current deputy chief ministers of Penang are PKR’s Mohamad Abdul Hamid and DAP’s Jagdeep Singh Deo.

The lawmakers also stressed that leadership has nothing to do with racial entitlement but is earned through trust and competency.

“DAP does not engage in symbolic appointments for political convenience but instead ensures that leadership positions are given to those who have proven their ability to serve the people.

“If MIPP wants to talk about breaking barriers, it should start within its own coalition. If they are serious about empowering Indian leadership, let’s see them take real action within PN-led states.

“Until then, their arguments remain empty rhetoric. Additionally, instead of being a racial instigator, MIPP should grow up and be focused on correct policies and economic plans with the mindset of inclusivity.”

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