The Malaysian Insight

THE PKR election steering committee (JPP) needs to address irregularities in the party elections, urged deputy president Azmin Ali today.

He said numerous complaints had surfaced, including vote buying and money politics, in the ongoing party polls.

“All these complaints need to be investigated fairly. Not just money politics but we also found that there have been a lot of complaints about the (election) process.

“The JPP must be responsible for ensuring an open process that is fair and just,” Azmin said after he cast his ballot at the Gombak branch.

This is the second time Azmin has demanded the JPP take more stringent action against irregularities in the polls.

Azmin also cast doubt on the reliability of the e-voting system, which the party was using for the first time.

“We object to any dirty campaigning, money politics or misuse of power and position. The JPP’s process needs to be open and transparent because this is the first time we are using the e-voting system.

“There are a lot of problems that ensue from it, like today,” he said.

Azmin, who is also economic affairs minister, was referring to a delay in the voting centre being opened for voting due to “technical problems” with the system.

“The voting centre was supposed to open at 10am but was delayed due to the excuse of technical reasons. I hope this does not happen again. This does not give a good impression of the party,” Azmin said.

PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, said the party would investigate claims of money politics in the polls.

Deputy president contender Rafizi Ramli – who is up against Azmin for the post – said that several candidates had paid RM100 for a delegate’s vote.

Selangor PKR is holding the second phase of party elections to choose the central and divisional leaders today.

More than 83,000 party members will vote in seven of the 22 divisions in the state. – October 21, 2018.