KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma) has renewed its appeal to be a component party of Barisan Nasional.
This was its seventh attempt since its founding in 1976.
Kimma president Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Kader said formal recognition would allow the party to serve as the Indian Muslim community’s official voice in government.
“I would like to take this opportunity to ask (Barisan chairman) Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to allow Kimma to be included as the official voice of the Indian Muslim community in the government,” he said at Kimma’s 46th Congress here on Saturday (April 18).
He said Kimma had remained steadfast in its struggle for more than five decades.
“Since its establishment in 1976, we have faced various challenges. We stand on principles of consistent and continuous struggle,” he said.
Syed Ibrahim said the party has remained loyal to Barisan throughout its history.
“Today, Kimma has reached its golden jubilee, and we remain loyal, continue to support and persist in championing agendas aligned with Barisan,” he said.
Despite this, he questioned why Kimma has still not been granted official component status after seven applications.
He said the post-14th General Election political landscape has brought major changes to Barisan, including a reduction in the number of component parties.
“In this situation, we see an opportunity to strengthen the coalition once again, and Kimma is ready to take on that role,” he said.
Syed Ibrahim also cited recent statements from parties previously seen as opposing new entries into Barisan, saying they no longer object.
“As such, we are asking what reasons remain to delay our entry. For 50 years we have waited, remained loyal and stood behind this struggle without hesitation,” he added.
He said he hopes Ahmad Zahid and Barisan’s leadership will soon provide a clear answer on Kimma’s position.
