We need another look at entire PKR electoral process — Anwar

SHAH ALAM: With regard to the just-concluded party elections, there are contentious divisions such as Tawau and one or two others which include Julau, incoming PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday.

Speaking at a press conference after the opening of the 13th National Congress of PKR here, he said in the case of Tawau, there were allegations that the Electoral Committee members (Jawatankuasa Pemilihan Pusat) voted instead of the voters. “But these are allegations. I understand both views but I thought that we have to move on.

“That’s why I appealed to the candidates to say, can we accept this? But the facts must be known. We are not covering up. People note and talk about it. I do concede there are serious limitations and weaknesses about the e-voting system.

“But the party leadership approved. We have to move on; otherwise, we will have another three months of going through the whole electoral process,” Anwar added that although he did explain, his hands are tied.

But in the same breath, he said: “Let the investigating agencies and enforcement agencies do their job. We should give full co-operation.”

Asked whether the party would revert to the paper ballot, the would-be Prime Minister said: “Once I take over, I will propose a review of the entire electoral process”.

On claims of missing votes or fraud, Anwar said it was important for the MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) to go through the entire electoral process in terms of e-voting.

“How did the votes on the tablets disappear? This is for the MCMC to investigate.”

Earlier in response to reporters’ questions on involvement of money politics in the party elections, Anwar said the SPRM would have to investigate the alleged corruption.

“My position is they should do a professional job. We are not stopping the investigations because members and leaders have already made the allegations and also police reports.”

To another question, he stressed that if there was a compelling case against any particular member or leader, then he had to go through the disciplinary party process.

According to him, he was critical of the e-voting process from the very beginning.

“It is my personal view but I go along with the party. Personally, I am not too keen but then, PKR is a democratic party,” he added.