PM: IPF’s role in supporting Barisan greatly appreciated

SEMENYIH: The Indian Progressive Front's (IPF) contribution to the country and its unwavering support for Barisan Nasional are appreciated and have not been forgotten, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Najib, who is also Barisan chairman, also expressed gratitude to the IPF for sticking with the coalition through
thick and thin over the last 20 years, noting the contributions of its founder, the late Tan Sri M.G. Pandithan.

“We will not forget IPF's contributions. They have contributed immensely to Barisan. The late Pandithan took great pains to set up the party,

“IPF has been our loyal partner all this while. IPF members have always turned up in big numbers during elections.

“What is important now is for them to be with us and ensure Barisan's victory regardless of who the candidate is,” he said.

Najib, who also thanked Pandithan's wife Puan Sri Jayashree for her husband's contributions, said he was touched by the overwhelming support from the party's members.

The Government, Najib said, also recognised the contribution of the Indian community and would continue to do what it could to improve its social and economic status, especially for the younger generation.

“I pledge to double our efforts to help the Indian community and all Malaysians.


“But we need a strong and huge mandate for Barisan so that we can continue to make big improvements for the people. It is work in progress,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, IPF president Datuk M. Sambanthan pledged the party's unwavering support towards Barisan during the general election.

“We will give our full support to all Barisan candidates regardless of who they are.

“Let us also join hands and help win Selangor back.”

Sambanthan also asked Najib to consider accepting IPF as a Barisan component member given its long-standing support towards the coalition, and help solve local problems.

Also present were representatives from other Barisan component parties, including Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Selangor Barisan Nasional coordinator Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed, Selangor Barisan deputy chairman and state Umno liaison deputy chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar, MCA vice-president Datuk Donald Lim and MIC vice-president Datuk M. Saravanan.

(Source: The Star Online)