PKR pow-wow following 'strange' trend in internal polls

Summary

• PKR central leadership council will convene for urgent discussions next week over internal polls.

• There have been alleged irregularities during the party’s ongoing election, including ‘body without head’ trend.

An urgent PKR central leadership council meeting will be convened on Wednesday to discuss alleged irregularities during the party’s ongoing internal polls.

Malaysiakini has learned that this meeting was called at the request of more than 20 central leadership council members, well above the one-third requirement.

According to the party constitution, the council may convene under the following three circumstances:

1. At least once every three months;

2. At the request of the party president at any time;

3. Upon a written request by more than one-third of council members.

PKR began its divisional polls on April 11, with the final round taking place today (April 20).

‘Body without head’

The divisional polls have been plagued by reports of irregularities, which have seen several factions sweep the committee elections, only to have their faction leader lose the contest for division head.

This led to a strange trend nationwide, dubbed by some as a “body without a head” scenario - where the team wins, but the leader loses.

Prominent examples of such outcomes include Gan Ay Ling in Kangar, Bakhtiar Wan Chik in Balik Pulau, Kamri Kamaruddin in Ampang, Chua Wei Kiat in Selayang, Rodziah Ismail in Shah Alam, and Ginie Lim in Alor Gajah.

PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad also lost the Setiawangsa divisional chief position yesterday.

However, it remains unclear whether his faction experienced the same “body without a head” scenario.

Nik Nazmi’s subtle post

Responding to the results, he posted a subtle message on Facebook last night.

“With regard to the PKR Setiawangsa divisional election results that have been announced, I believe that a transparent and fair election process is fundamental to PKR’s strength as a reformist party.

“However, we believe there are several issues that warrant attention, and we will raise them through the appropriate party channels and procedures.

“This is part of our commitment to ensuring that the party election is conducted with integrity and fairness,” said the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister.

PKR conducts its internal election primarily through an electronic voting system.

However, party members who lack internet access, or are aged 60 and above and less familiar with digital tools, are still permitted to vote manually.

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