PKR will not tolerate election fraud, says Anwar

PETALING JAYA: The PKR election committee will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against any member found guilty of election fraud, regardless of their position in the party.

Party de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told a press conference here that he fully supports the committee's investigation into vote-rigging claims at the Batang Sadong division in Sarawak.

"I have full trust and confidence towards the committee. We will not tolerate any election fraud. We will not cover up for anybody," he said.

Anwar said that unlike the Election Commission, the party election committee was "truly independent" and was not aligned to any candidate contesting in the ongoing party polls.

"As soon as they have found evidence of fraud, the will conduct investigation and disqualify the person from contesting or postpone the election to a later date. This is our stand, no matter who is contesting," he said.

On Monday, PKR election committee chairman Datuk Johari Abdul said the body was investigating a claim of vote-tampering.

Solidariti Anak Mudah Malaysia (SAMM) founder Badrul Hisham Shaharin had on Sunday, claimed he had photo and video evidence of vote-tampering involving deputy president candidate Azmin Ali.

Badrul, popularly known as Chegubard, also urged the election committee and the Central Leadership Council (MPP) to take stern action and disqualify Azmin from running.

It was reported that Batang Sadong poll, held at a budget hotel, was marred in controversy when a power outage occurred during the vote counting process.

Two MPP candidates, who wanted to witness the vote counting process, complained there was a brief delay before party workers opened the door.

Photos of ballot papers, said to be coming from Batang Sadong being scattered on the floor were also circulated on social media.

The PKR election is being held nationwide from Apr 26 to May 11, and the results will be announced on May 13.