PKR POLLS | Hiccups in the e-voting system are casting the PKR election process in a bad light, believes incumbent deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali.

While inspecting the voting process in Sungai Tua today, Azmin said that he hopes the party's election committee can ensure that there is no repeat of such incidents.

“The committee needs to be open and transparent because this is the first time we are using the e-voting system. Many problems have occurred.

“Today, for example, the polling centre was supposed to open at 10am, but it has been delayed due to several technical reasons.

“I hope these things don’t happen again, because it does not leave a good impression of the party and the electoral process,” he said.

Azmin highlighted this when asked to comment on allegations of money politics in the election.

“These complaints need to be investigated fairly, because it is not just money politics; there are also many complaints about the process.

“Therefore, the committee is responsible to ensure a process that is transparent, open, and fair because the perception of the public and of party members is important.

“We fight on principles of reform to bring change, so of course we must strongly reject any form of dirty campaigning, money politics, abuse of position and power,” he stressed.

Azmin is defending his deputy president post against challenger Rafizi Ramli.

Both Azmin and Rafizi have spoken out against money politics in the election, as well as PKR-president elect Anwar Ibrahim.

Yesterday, incumbent Malacca PKR chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin claimed that there has been at least one such incident in the state, with a division committee candidate alleged to have handed members RM50 to secure votes.

Sabah, S'wak represented on MA63 committee

Azmin, the economic affairs minister, was also asked to comment on Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Abang Openg saying that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 cabinet committee should comprise mostly Sabah and Sarawak representatives.

He noted that the cabinet has already agreed to have both states represented on the committee.

“However, I think the question of how many depends on the discussion and agreement between both parties,” he added.

Yesterday, Abang Johari reportedly voiced concerns that Sabah and Sarawak representatives on the committee could be outnumbered in the event of a vote.

“It must be balanced. Then you can deliberate on issues that may be questioned now under MA63. Otherwise, it will be lopsided,” he told the New Straits Times.