PKR election body refutes Rafizi's claims of ignored complaints

The Star

13-05-2025

Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli talking to the press after the series of management and group-focussed sessions throughout Malaysia on the 13th Malaysian Project (RMK-13) known as "MADANI Mendengar," at Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Penang. (December 11, 2024) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.
SHAH ALAM: PKR has refuted claims by party deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli that complaints and objections related to its elections were ignored.
The party's central election committee (JPP) deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Kasim said these allegations are untrue.
He said every complaint and objection received is taken ­seriously and handled professionally, fairly and according to regulations.
'The membership list used is the latest received from the secretary-­general's office, verified through the electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) process, before being updated as the official voter list.
'Claims that the JPP ignored complaints and objections are untrue and regrettable,' he said in a statement on Sunday.
Rafizi had earlier claimed that the JPP had failed to carry out its duties when individuals allegedly joined PKR temporarily for the election period, allowing them to vote and contest in recent branch elections.
He also claimed that the JPP had failed to check the membership status of individuals from other parties, allowing those from parties like Umno and Pejuang to contest and win branch positions.
To this, Ahmad said party election regulations were approved by the central leadership council (MPP) on Feb 23 and confirmed by the party's political bureau on March 3.
He pointed out that Rafizi was a member in the two decision-­making bodies.
'The regulations clearly state that every objection or appeal must be accompanied by sufficient evidence, and the burden of proof lies with the person lodging the objection or appeal.
'A total of 289 complaints and objections were received, covering various stages of the process including nominations, objections to nominations, appeals, finali­sing candidate lists, campaigns and voting processes.
'All these complaints have been thoroughly examined, with some referred to the secretary-­general's office and the party disciplinary board for further action as per their jurisdiction,' he said.
He added that the JPP also reviewed objections to voting results after the branch elections and presented them in the MPP meeting.
'The MPP has made decisions for six selected branches along with the international auditors appointed by the MPP to represent all issues related to branch voting results raised.
'The international auditor's report shared by Rafizi proves that the e-voting system is in good condition, secure, and there is no evidence of manipulation or fraud,' Ahmad said.