An analyst says MIPP’s absence from the Melaka polls would reinforce the perception that PN remains aligned with Malay-Muslim interests. (EPA Images pic)PETALING JAYA: A decision by the Malaysian Indian People’s Party to sit out the Melaka election risks reinforcing the perception that Perikatan Nasional remains aligned with Malay-Muslim political interests, say analysts.

Mazlan Ali.Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said MIPP’s withdrawal highlighted the lack of influence wielded by PN’s non-Malay component parties in seat allocation negotiations with Barisan Nasional.

He said the decision reflected MIPP’s dissatisfaction with PN’s failure to safeguard the interests of its component parties. “By opting out entirely rather than accepting marginal seats with no realistic prospect of victory, MIPP has made its position clear: it is a principled party with dignity that will not be sidelined,” he told FMT.