PKR candidates call for new polls amid complaints

Polling process in four areas compromised, say six members running in party elections

PETALING JAYA: Six candidates in the PKR party elections, even those who are leading in the race, are calling for fresh elections following many complaints on the process.

In a statement to PKR’s JPP (central election committee) on Wednesday, the six candidates claimed that the polling in Alor Gajah, Jasin, Masjid Tanah and Tangga Batu on

Oct 20 had been “compromised”.

However, they asked that the results of Kota Melaka and Bukit Katil be retained.

Kota Melaka PKR was won by the camp supporting party deputy president contender Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, while the camp supporting Rafizi Ramli won in Bukit Katil. Melaka PKR e-voted last Saturday.

JPP decided on Tuesday that there would be no re-polling despite earlier claims of missing votes by members.

Top PKR leaders, including Azmin, have said something was not right with the way the party polls were conducted.

The PKR JPP headed by Datuk Rashid Din was entrusted to deal with the matter.

Since the main complaints are of appeals and disciplinary matters, the one actually in charge is the Committee of Complaints, Appeals and Discipline under the JPP and headed by Dr Syed Husin Ali (pic).

On Wednesday, the committee headed by Dr Syed Husin received flak from PKR members for issuing a statement on the PKR election blog that three candidates had been issued warning letters.

The candidates in question said they did not receive any letter or official rebuke from JPP or the election disciplinary committee.

Dr Syed Husin clarified that there had been a miscommunication.

“The letters should have gone out first before the statement was uploaded onto the blog.

“I did not know it had already been uploaded when they called me to ask about the warning letters, which I have not signed yet.

“The candidates ( who were accused of flouting the rules) should get their letters today or tomorrow,” said Dr Syed Husin.

He advised those unhappy with the polls to go to the proper channels instead of speaking to the media.

“It is the same people who have been complaining.

“E-voting has overcome some of the problems we had with previous ballot paper voting, and the response I get from the ground is that people are satisfied.

“I am not going to respond to those who are complaining against e-voting. They should submit their complaints internally,” said Dr Syed Husin.

He was referring to the statements issued by various party leaders, requesting that the JPP look into discrepancies arising from the e-voting nationwide.

The PKR party polls began nationwide on Sept 22 and will end on Nov 10.