GE14 | National Human Rights Society (Hakam) chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan has criticised PKR over the crisis concerning its candidates for the coming general election.

“When the rakyat is doing everything in their power to overcome obstacles to ensure they can vote and to help in the elections, this nonsense in PKR is unforgivable,” she said in a Twitter posting.

Speaking to Malaysiakini later today, Ambiga said Malaysians nationwide, and even those abroad were doing their utmost to overcome the obstacles to ensure they can cast their vote on May 9.

“Malaysians are helping fellow Malaysians in so many ways for GE14. We are seeing an unprecedented wave of commitment to ensuring the elections are not stolen from us,” she added.

Against this backdrop, the former Bar Council chairperson said it was disappointing and unacceptable to see PKR engaging in a public spat over internal politics.

“I am certain that the other parties have their own share of problems but they somehow manage to hold it together for the sake of the people.

“PKR stands out in not being able to do that,” she added.

Ambiga revealed she had received numerous calls and messages expressing disappointment over the situation, especially with the nomination of candidates and polls around the corner.

Ambiga: Cool heads must prevail

“As it is not a single candidate from PKR has been announced, thus depriving them of valuable time with their constituents,” she added.

Calling for a swift resolution to the impasse, Ambiga emphasised that cool heads and statesmanlike leadership must prevail at this critical juncture.

“It is the PKR logo that is to be used in the elections. More the reason that they themselves should do justice to the confidence placed in that logo.

“I urge all parties to consider the nation and the will of the people above all,” she added.

The crisis in PKR erupted following the move to drop several names proposed as candidates for Selangor.

According to reports, these names, which included PKR vice-president Tian Chua, had received the blessings of deputy president and caretaker Selangor menteri besar Azmin Ali.

It was also speculated that the crisis stemmed from the protracted tussle between the camps led by Azmin and PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli respectively.

During a press conference yesterday, Tian Chua singled out party de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

“I only urge that at the last minute, our leaders must be very careful not to drop or put people in (the candidates' list) just to accommodate lobbying from various factions.

"We have a heavy burden on our shoulders and people want to see PKR fulfil the wishes of the people and not be seen as a party that accommodates factional interests.

"I am still hopeful, and I believe that our leaders Anwar and Wan Azizah have the strength to withstand pressure so that we can keep the party united to face the election,” Tian Chua had added.

Nomination day for the general election, which has been dubbed the mother of polls, is this Saturday.