ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) is set to make its electoral debut under the Perikatan Nasional banner in the upcoming state elections, including those expected in Johor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan.
Its president P. Punithan said this would be the first time that MIPP will be contesting and the party is eyeing four seats in Johor, three seats in Negri Sembilan and two seats in Melaka.
“Discussions on seat allocations with coalition partners PAS, Bersatu and Gerakan are ongoing, with an agreement in principle already reached for us to contest in these state elections.
“We have decided that MIPP will contest four state seats in the upcoming Johor election. The discussions have not been finalised yet, but there is already an understanding among the parties,” he added.
Punithan, who is also Perikatan deputy chairman, said this in a press conference after chairing a Johor MIPP state committee meeting held at a hotel here on Sunday (May 31).
He added that the party had begun preparations across Johor in anticipation of a state election that could be called at any time.
Punithan said MIPP’s 26 divisions in Johor had been instructed to mobilise their machinery and strengthen grassroots support ahead of the polls.
According to him, Perikatan is expected to contest all 56 state seats in Johor and faces what he described as a highly competitive political landscape.
“All parties appear ready to go solo. Barisan Nasional is preparing to contest on its own, Pakatan Harapan has its own plans and Perikatan will also field candidates throughout the state,” he said.
