PKR polls: Batu MP denies RM100 for votes allegation

Summary

• A video surfaced alleging that P Prabakaran's PKR election team in Batu was paying for votes.

• Prabakaran denies issuing such instructions or participating in an event where money would be handed out as alleged.

• A former Batu PKR vice chief calls for an immediate probe into the matter.

Batu MP P Prabakaran has denied doling out cash for votes in the Batu PKR division election.

This comes after a video surfaced allegedly showing a key candidate in Prabakaran's team telling someone off-camera that they would get RM100 if they voted for those on the MP's team.

In the video, the woman is heard saying that RM100 in "duit raya" would be distributed at a buka puasa gathering the week before Aidilfitri, and that RM100 would also be paid on voting day.

"If we win, there'll be a jackpot, don't worry," the candidate added.

Malaysiakini has contacted the candidate for comment.

In a statement, Prabakaran denied engaging in such a practice.

"I wish to completely deny the allegation, as there was no specific instruction from me to anyone in my team either at the division or wing level.

"In the video, there was an allegation that I would be giving out token (payments) at a buka puasa event with voters. This did not happen and is not in my team's itinerary," he said today.

Prabakaran, however, said he would give full cooperation with the PKR election committee in an investigation.

‘Take stern action’

The Batu division is part of the Federal Territories, which will head to the polls on April 20.

The division chief race is expected to be a straight fight between Prabakaran and lawyer-activist, Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi.

Meanwhile, former Batu PKR vice chief Rozan Azen Mat Rasip called for the PKR election committee to launch an immediate investigation into the video.

He said the disciplinary bureau must also take stern action.

"I, as a Batu PKR member for 21 years since 2004, am very disappointed with this incident which has not only tarnished the image and good name of the Batu division, but also PKR which rejects corruption," Rozan said in a statement today.

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