Zahid: Three small Indian parties - Kimma, IPF and Makkal Sakti - may join Barisan

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi talking to reporters at MACC headquarters on Friday. -Mohd Sahar Misni/The Star

NILAI (Bernama): Barisan Nasional (BN) is considering the request of the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma) to join the coalition as part of its rebranding.

Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said apart from Kimma, Barisan Kemajuan India Semalaysia (IPF) and Makkal Sakti, which are all Barisan-friendly parties, had also applied to join Barisan.

A discussion will be held with other component parties on their possible admission, including any need to amend the Barisan constitution, he said.

“As in the past, before any decision is made, it should obtain the agreement of the majority, similarly with this request, we will see if the majority were to accept other associated parties with us.

"Apart from Kimmma, IPF and Makkal Sakti have also put in their applications to join Barisan.

“In the rebranding of Barisan, we will not forget our component parties.

"I do not want to be a dictator and will discuss with our component parties,” he said when speaking at the 41st annual general assembly of Kimma here on Saturday (Oct 27).

Also present was Kimma president Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Kader.

In this regard, Zahid described Kimma as a staunch friend of UMNO in both good and bad times.

“Kimma which was set up 40 years ago, was made an associate member of Umno since 2010, had proved itself to be a true friend especially during the present situation.

Earlier Syed Ibrahim in his speech said Kimma welcomed the kind gesture of Zahid, who is Umno president, to review Kimma's status as an associate member of Umno.

"We hope Kimma will be accepted as a Barisan member or any coalition led by Umno," he said.

At the assembly, more than 700 Kimma delegates from their youth, puteri (young women) and wanita (ladies) wings from all over the country were present. - Bernama