More Indian-based parties? What for?

I can say that I have a little experience in forming a political party in Sarawak together with like-minded colleagues. This took place about 30 years.

Against that backdrop, it has been a rewarding time to be among the key leaders in the party although the struggle was tough and challenging.

What I would never see myself involved in is a race-based party. No, it has to be a multi-racial party where people of all races and creeds have a place to call home.

I honestly think that race-based parties are not conducive in a multi-racial society. In a multi-faceted one like ours, it is generally considered more beneficial to have political parties that prioritise principles such as equality, justice, and representation for all citizens, regardless of their racial background.

This approach helps in fostering unity, promoting understanding, and addressing the diverse needs of the entire population.

So, I don’t think that the formation of a new Indian-based party and the resurgence of another recently, is going to help the community at all, politically or otherwise.

Indians only make up slightly more than 6 per cent of Malaysia’s 33 million population. The figure is expected to drop further, going by the number of children in Indian families.

We have one too many Indian parties for that small community. In fact, I think it will benefit the Indians more if all the smaller parties were to disband and unite under a single, strong and dynamic party. Of course, that’s easier said than done.

On Nov 27, we heard of the formation of a new Indian party, Parti Bersepakat Hak Rakyat Malaysia (Urimai), led by former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy.

The former DAP leader said that he has to set up the new party as Indians have been sidelined in multi-racial ones.

Just 12 days later, on Dec 9, the new president, P Punithan, of the resurgent Malaysian Indian People Party (MIPP) announced that the party would make an official application to join Perikatan Nasional.

Punithan is a former Selangor MIC chief, who quit the party on June 30 this year. He was later appointed deputy chairperson of the PN Indian community national committee led by PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

MIPP is an Indian-based party established in 2019 and Punithan was made the party’s new president in last month’s special general meeting.

Both Ramasamy and Punithan claimed that their involvement in their new parties was to look after the interests of the Indian community.

But why were they doing when they were both in the government? Didn’t they do anything for their community which they claimed have been marginalised.

MIC was the No 3 partner in the Barisan Nasional government for many decades. As a senior leader in Selangor, surely Punithan could have done something for his community. Did he or didn’t he?

The same goes for Ramasamy. He was DCM in Penang for three long terms. In 15 years, he could have done a lot for the Indians. Did he?

I’m not sure how the two men will be able to champion the Indian community’s agenda when they are no longer in government but operating outside in a small, unknown entity.

I have this message for Ramasamy and Punithan and others who are inclined to set up race-based political entities. This also goes to my Dayak friends in Sarawak who used to have a penchant for forming new Dayak parties. (I’m glad this trend has halted in recent years.)

Firstly, it’s important to understand that relying on race-based parties may hinder the development of comprehensive and effective policies that take into account the complexities of different communities.

So, do not think only of your own community in politics; think of those of other races and religions. One will certainly feel more blessed and joyful when one gives to as many as possible, and not only to our own community.

Secondly, societal stability often depends on a sense of fairness, justice, and equal opportunity. Race-based parties may contribute to instability by fostering resentment and exacerbating tensions among different racial groups, potentially leading to social unrest.

In some ways, I believe we are witnessing resentment and tensions in Malaysia with the extremism and bigotry perpetuated by certain fanatics in a religion-based party.

Thankfully, we do not find religious fanatics within the Indian community but I really do see the urgency for more responsible professionals to emerge within the Indian community to partake in politics.

The days of the MIC-type of leaders are over. Sadly, the MIC is viewed as a let-down to the Indians than anything else.

People like Ramasamy and Punithan are also past their prime and they should do better by engaging in unselfish advisory role for the younger set of Indian politicians; rather than selfishly fighting hope against hope to revive their political careers.

The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.