Indian parties should unite: PM Razak

All political parties representing the Indians should unite and work together for the betterment of the community, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has said.

The prime minister said Sunday that although ethnic Indians made up only 7.5 percent of Malaysia's population, the community was represented by more parties than those of other races, the Malaysian Star reported Monday.

"This makes it difficult for the government to undertake specific programmes to help the Indian community."

"Even though this is easier said than done, I am a great advocate for the consolidation of the Indian parties," he said

"This is to ensure the political representation of the Indian community will be more effective in the future," Najib, who is also the chairman of the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional, said when opening the Indian Progressive Front's (IPF) 22nd annual conference.

The Indian component parties in the Barisan are Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and the People's Progressive Party (PPP).

Besides the IPF, the other Indian parties are Makkal Sakti and the Malaysian Indian United Party (MIUP). IPF, Makkal Sakti and MIUP are Barisan-friendly parties.

"I hear the cry of IPF wanting to join the Barisan," Najib said. "I hope IPF will not give up on this quest because the political scenario is constantly changing."

However, Najib explained that under the Barisan system, all component parties in the coalition must give their nod to the admission of a new party.