PKR POLLS |  PKR vice-president Dr Xavier Jayakumar was reprimanded by the PKR disciplinary committee because a sticker bearing his image was attached to a candidate list, better known as cai in Chinese, for the ongoing PKR election.

According to PKR Central Elections Committee (JPP) secretary Ismail Yusop, there was evidence that this happened although it was unclear if Jayakumar was responsible.

"This is not a question of him doing it. His photograph was affixed on top of someone else's and a complaint was lodged.

"If it wasn't him that did it, then surely his agent did it. Correct?" said Ismail when contacted by Malaysiakini for clarification on why the PKR Complaints, Appeals and Disciplinary Committee had issued a warning to Jayakumar and two other PKR election candidates.

In recent weeks, Malaysiakini has observed that candidate lists - commonly referred to as cai or cai dan (Chinese for "menu") - are modified with stickers bearing the image of a candidate.

The candidate lists are given out by different camps as flyers on voting day to assist voters in selecting those aligned with a particular camp.

The complaint against Jayakumar was lodged in Kedah where PKR elections were held on Sept 22 although the results for the state were subsequently annulled following technical difficulties.

Jayakumar, along with Johor Bahru MP Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and Hulu Selangor MP June Leow Hsiad Hui, were issued warning letters after complaints were lodged against them with the disciplinary committee.

A statement by the committee yesterday did not state the nature of the offences against the trio but mentioned that they would receive a warning letter.

Both Jayakumar and Leow are vying for a seat on the PKR central leadership council while Akmal defended his position successfully as Johor Bahru PKR division leader in the state party polls on Sept 30.

Letters not sent

An irate Jayakumar yesterday claimed that he was unaware of allegations levelled against him and that he had neither been given the chance to defend himself nor received the said letter.

He added that he was a victim of an character assassination.

The PKR elections for its divisional and national leadership has been taking place every weekend since Sept 22 and will end on Nov 10.

On the reasons for the written reprimands against Akmal and Leow, Ismail explained that the duo had flouted election rules by being present in the room where voting was taking place.

He said there was video evidence for both incidents. "It was very clear," said Ismail.

On why all three have yet to receive the said letters, Ismail explained that the documents had been prepared last Friday but the committee's staff were too busy with the party elections over the weekend.

"They overlooked sending the letters. It was signed by (JPP chairperson) Rashid Din but not (disciplinary committee head) Syed Husin Ali. The letters are ready. It's on the table," he said.