GEORGE TOWN – Parti Makkal Sakti Malaysia does not intend to replace MIC in Barisan Nasional, but aims to continue defending, fighting for, and upholding the rights and interests of the Indian community in the country.
Makkal Sakti president Datuk Seri R.S. Thanenthiran said the party will not replace MIC in the coalition as it does not want to be a duplicate of the BN component.
“With our strength, the party will make sure the Indian community enjoys the benefits it is entitled to under the BN leadership when it comes to power in the next general election.”
He said Makkal Sakti has indicated to MIC that it is willing to work with the latter, as cited by Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan that the cake is big and enough for everyone to share.
“We believe that we will be absorbed into the BN coalition as we have sufficient leaders with the calibre and capabilities, including professionals, academics and social activists, to serve the people, if fielded in the elections,” said Thanenthiran.
“Makkal Sakti will ensure victory for BN, wherever we are fielded to contest in the next general election.”
BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Sunday announced that the pact may field candidates from Makkal Sakti in the 15th general election.
Makkal Sakti, an Indian-based outfit founded by former Hindu Rights Action Force leaders, is not part of BN, though it has supported the coalition for years.
As such, Zahid, who was speaking during Makkal Sakti’s annual general meeting, said the party should be given the chance to contest under the BN flag and treated as an asset.
“Zahid has seen the loyalty and sincerity of Makkal Sakti members on the ground, tirelessly campaigning and working for the victory of BN candidates in seven by-elections and last year’s Sabah election,” said Thanenthiran.
“Makkal Sakti wishes to express its gratitude to the BN chairman for honouring our loyalty and sincerity over the last 13 years.”
He said there were 14 parties in BN before GE14, but following the coalition’s failure to retain power, some of the major parties left as they felt BN had become irrelevant at the present level of politics, and thinking BN may have lost the support of the people.
These parties, including PPP (People’s Progressive Party) and Gerakan, after enjoying perks, positions and goodies through BN, left BN stranded. I would say they are political opportunists. They left their friends and joined others for better opportunities.
“But Makkal Sakti remained loyal and sincere to BN, although we were not a component of the coalition.
“Makkal Sakti wishes to thank Zahid for recognising our dedication and sacrifices.”
He said Makkal Sakti has indicated to BN that it wishes to contest four parliamentary and seven state seats if given a chance to run under the BN flag in GE15.
Thanenthiran hopes BN components Umno, MCA, MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah will support Makkal Sakti, as it has disclosed its desire to be absorbed into the coalition.
The party has identified the states, including Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Johor, in which it wishes its candidates will contest.
Thanenthiran added that the BN leadership will hopefully ensure his party is given winnable seats to ensure victory for the coalition. – The Vibes, September 23, 2021
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