Maintain decorum, Amirudin urges as PKR contest heats up

Summary

• PKR vice-president Amirudin Shari has urged candidates and supporters to maintain decorum and avoid personal attacks during campaigning amid tensions in the party polls.

• His call follows Rafizi Ramli’s criticism of the party’s election process, which the Central Election Committee has denied, insisting all procedures were properly followed.

The growing tension surrounding the PKR polls has prompted its vice-president, Amirudin Shari, to call on all candidates and their supporters to observe decorum during campaigning and to avoid personal attacks.

The Selangor menteri besar also made reference to the Central Election Committee’s statement regarding PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli’s accusations that the committee failed to address issues related to divisional polls last month.

These allegations have become a hot topic among party members and the media.

“I have studied the media statement released by the committee regarding the allegations made by the PKR deputy president.

“I urge all comrades in the struggle to remain steadfast in campaigning with a spirit of solidarity, and to steer clear of slander, malice, or personal attacks, and unfounded accusations.

“This is not the kind of conduct we want to see in the election process of a reform-oriented party like PKR,” he said in a statement today, without directly addressing Rafizi’s allegations.

Amirudin (above) stressed that all candidates and their supporters, including himself, must adhere to the guidelines set by the election committee.

Set good example

The Gombak MP described the party election as a platform for all candidates to present their ideas and visions in a mature manner, as well as an opportunity to assess the performance of party leaders over the past term.

As a leading party in the coalition government, Amirudin said, the people will be watching every move that PKR members and leaders make.

“Any behaviour that reflects politics of hatred or personal vendettas will only invite negative perceptions of the party and the government we represent.

“Let us collectively demonstrate peaceful and mature politics for the benefit of all,” he added.

Amirudin is defending his position as PKR vice-president in this round of the party election.

‘Deeply regrettable’ claims

Earlier today, the Central Election Committee denied Rafizi’s claims that it had failed to carry out its duties properly during the divisional-level election.

Describing Rafizi’s allegations as “untrue and deeply regrettable,” committee deputy chairperson Ahmad Kasim emphasised that all processes had been conducted transparently in accordance with existing regulations.

Previously, Rafizi had criticised the PKR election process, alleging failures on the part of the Central Election Committee, and claimed that its chairperson, Dr Zaliha Mustafa, had failed to resolve complaints related to alleged irregularities.

Rafizi is defending his position as PKR deputy president in a one-on-one contest against his challenger, Nurul Izzah Anwar.

He alleged that PKR had been infiltrated by a new wave of individuals uninterested in the reform agenda, who were instead driven by the pursuit of power and positions now that the party is part of the government.

An independent auditor appointed to review the divisional and branch-level polls had earlier reported that the e-voting system functioned well, despite some areas in need of improvement.

Several PKR leaders aligned with Rafizi were defeated by ordinary members in the divisional-level election held between April 11 and 20.

Nevertheless, the PKR central leadership council ultimately decided to accept the results, paving the way for the national-level election on May 23.

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