Why fear Dr M's call for Malay unity, asks Indian PN component
PETALING JAYA : An Indian-based Perikatan Nasional component party is in favour of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposed 'big umbrella' to rally the Malays, saying it is a foundation of stability and will not divide races in the country.
Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) president SP Punithan said the proposal is not a rejection of diversity or democracy, but acknowledges the political fragmentation of 'two of Malaysia's three major racial communities'.
'Why fear unity? Unity is not a threat. It is the foundation of political stability.
'Such fragmentation serves neither the nation nor the communities themselves. It breeds instability, unpredictability, and weak representation,' he said in a statement today.
Punithan said Malaysia was forged through consensus and mutual understanding and not bloodshed and war.
'Its enduring strength resides in its unique fabric of unity, with Malays forming the majority.
'For any multiracial nation to achieve peace and prosperity, unity within its majority community is essential,' he said.
On Wednesday, Mahathir said he will invite Umno members to join his new Malay unity alliance in an effort to 'restore Malay power' in the government.
He said the alliance, which includes PAS and Bersatu, aims to save the community from what he called its political and economic decline.
Punithan said MIPP's responsibility was to unite Malaysian Indians under a single political platform and not to oppose others.
'MIPP's mission is not about division. It is about forging a stronger Malaysia through a stronger and united Indian voice,' he said.
He also said political stability 'cannot arise from perpetual horse-trading or shifting alliances driven solely by power struggles'.
'It must emerge from clear mandates, trusted leadership and the coherent representation of each community within a balanced coalition,' he said.
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