PKR has claimed that concerted attempts were made by Umno to bribe its divisional leaders into quiting the party ahead of the double by-elections next month, in a move to sabotage their campaign.

However they could not furnish any evidence except that they had received several ‘internal reports’ in the past two days, giving information about the phenomenon.

“The latest efforts are being done by Pahang Umno to persuade five PKR divisional leaders to quit the party and bring 500 members with them ahead of the Kerdau by-election,” said PKR communication director Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad during a press conference this afternoon at the party headquarters in Petaling Jaya.

“They were promised cash and projects to declare their exit from the party as soon as possible.”

nik nazmi nik ahmad book launch 210310 03 However he refused to disclose the identity of the divisional leaders involved because investigations are still ongoing.

The same phenomenon is also happening in Malacca, where the Merlimau by-election will be held, and Kuala Lumpur, Nik Nazmi added.

Nik Nazmi ( left ) conducted the press conference on behalf of secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution who could not attend the event.

It has almost become a norm for PKR elected representatives, or former and current leaders, to declare they are quitting the party during a by-election.

The Seri Setia assemblyperson warned PKR members that the party headquarters is still collecting further information and will make them public should they have sufficient evidence.

Suspension if found to be involved

“The PKR political bureau had decided in a meeting last night that any member who is involved (in the bribery) will be suspended immediately while a full investigation is undertaken,” he said.

“We are watching them. This is a warning to them that we know what they are up to.”

Nik Nazmi also called on the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to look into the matter seriously.

However, he said he would only lodge a report to MACC should further evidence be found.

“If we have sufficient evidence, we’ll lodge a report but we know how MACC works. When we complain, it’ll take a long time to act but if BN complains, they will act faster,” he quipped.

NONE PKR Indera Makhota MP Azan Ismail ( right ), who was present during the press conference, revealed that no national leaders were involved in the bribery.

“Umno failed to influence the top leaders, that’s why they go for the middle and low-level leaders,” said the MP from Pahang.

He added that Umno agents had allegedly met PKR grassroots leaders in several secret meetings.

“Umno used former leaders who were previously PKR members (to approach the PKR divisional leaders),” he added.