PKR has introduced a new set of strict regulations for its party election candidates, which includes barring them from conducting ceramah or large feasts attended by more than 100 people.

Candidates who breach these new regulations run the risk of disciplinary action or being barred from contesting in the party polls altogether.

This is according to a circular titled the “Ethics of party election campaigns” issued on Sunday and signed by PKR central election committee chairperson Rashid Din.

In the circular, which was sighted by Malaysiakini, Rashid explained that these new regulations are additions to the election code of ethics distributed by the party's secretary-general on June 26.

It also states that the party polls should be conducted in the spirit of brotherhood and democracy.

“It is hoped that candidates in this election can be filtered so as to ensure that only the best are chosen to represent PKR, and turn it into an admired ruling party that is free from unsavoury practices," he said.

As such, Rashid advised candidates to observe the new code of ethics in their campaigns.

No group photos

Besides limiting crowd sizes to 100, the PKR circular also bars candidates from using group images in campaign materials.

"The use of poster, advertisements and any campaign materials are meant to introduce the candidate, and must portray the image of the candidate only."

Candidates are also told to promote their own manifestos instead of levelling accusations against their rivals, as well as refrain from highlighting any government posts they may hold.

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A high-placed party source slammed the limitation of crowd size in the circular.

"If I want to organise a dinner to express my support for a particular leader and candidate, are you going to disqualify the candidate?"

“It doesn't make sense when PKR candidates can campaign openly in the general election, but have to campaign behind closed doors when come to party polls,” the source said to Malaysiakini.

‘Paralysing my campaign’

Responding to the code of ethics in an Aug 20 letter, PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli claimed it would “paralyse” his campaign.

Rafizi (bottom row, centre in photo), who is gunning for the post of deputy president, said this is because he is the sole candidate conducting briefings for grassroots members.

"This is like paralysing the progress of my campaign despite no money being involved," he said in the letter.

Rafizi compared this to the Umno election, which imposes similar regulations that he claims benefit those with positions in government.

He also termed the prohibition on the use of group images in campaign materials as “madness.”

"This shows the party’s immaturity and the lack of confidence in the ability of the grassroots to make decisions," he said.

The decision, Rafizi added, showed that the committee held an antagonistic attitude towards him as he had formed a team for the upcoming election.

The PKR election will see Rafizi – whose team is said to enjoy the support of incoming party president Anwar Ibrahim – go all out against incumbent deputy president and cabinet minister Mohamed Azmin Ali.

Malaysiakini has contacted Rafizi for further comment.