No money politics complaints in PKR, says Saifuddin
PKR central leadership council member Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said paying for venues to host dinners and renting tents does not equate to vote-buying.
GEORGE TOWN : PKR central leadership council member Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says there have been no formal complaints of money politics in the party's ongoing internal election.
Responding to concerns raised by PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, Saifuddin clarified that the party's disciplinary board has yet to receive any reports involving vote-buying or similar misconduct.
Saifuddin, who is also the Pakatan Harapan secretary-general, stressed that paying for venues to host dinners and renting tents does not equate to vote-buying.
'Money politics is defined as giving money in exchange for support and I don't think PKR is at that level,' he told reporters after attending a Prisons' Day event here.
'If it's about using money to organise events like dinners, renting tents, paying for hotel rooms or restaurants, I think that does happen.'
Saifuddin, who is home minister, noted that using funds for legitimate campaign expenses is common practice but cautioned against excessive spending.
'I agree that it should not appear lavish. Our supporters and society in general are very sensitive nowadays.
'Grand dinners or events at top hotels, and similar expensive venues, are inappropriate,' Saifuddin said.
He also encouraged party members to report any evidence of misconduct to the disciplinary board.
Saifuddin reflected on the party's early days in 1998 and 1999, saying events were once held in roadside stalls and homes due to limited resources.
'Back then, even our party congresses were held in Chinese schools because no other venues were willing to accommodate us.'
He added that although the party now enjoys better support, its leaders should remain grounded.
At a ceramah in Kota Bharu yesterday, Rafizi warned against engaging in money politics during the party's current election campaign.
'This risk is real, and we must admit it. Don't try to deceive the public by claiming we're completely free from it. People no longer believe that,' he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.
Saifuddin today also addressed his relationship with both Rafizi and Nurul Izzah Anwar, describing them as his 'younger brother' and 'younger sister' respectively.
As a senior party figure, he wished them well and urged all candidates to conduct their campaigns ethically.
Last week, Saifuddin was reported to have said that he decided not to contest for any position in the party's central leadership polls on May 23 as he wanted to focus on the party's broader political struggle.
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