SHAH ALAM: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice president candidate Datuk Seri R Ramanan has denied allegations of using money politics to buy support during the party elections.
He stated that the viral video was recorded after the Selangor State Election and the contributions were made to his campaign workers, not voters.
“I gave money to my workers outside the service centre. If we look closely, the door has the Pakatan Harapan logo, so what’s wrong with that,” he said.
He made these remarks after officiating the Tekun Nasional Basic Entrepreneurship Seminar on Saturday (May 17).
Ramanan condemned the spreading of the video, claiming it was maliciously intended to tarnish his image, and described it as slander.
The Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives said the issue was deliberately raised again despite occurring long ago and not involving any violation of election laws.
“This is not a new issue. Since it's party election season, many things will be twisted and misinterpreted,” he explained.
He described the manipulation of the situation as irresponsible.
“I know who is behind this mischief, and they know who they are,” he added.
Previously, a 34-second video went viral on TikTok showing Ramanan giving money to an individual in front of premises before leaving.
Commenting on allegations that he was 'popularised' by a PKR Deputy President candidate through continuous attacks, Ramanan dismissed these claims as baseless.
“Why is he so obsessed with me when I am only contesting for Vice President, not Deputy President? It’s as if I am a lover who has run away,” he quipped.
Regarding accusations of bringing 'old culture' into PKR, Ramanan refused to comment further out of respect for party rules.
“I cannot answer that question because it might violate the party’s code of conduct. We cannot attack fellow members as we have discipline,” he said.
He added that party elections are not a platform for conflict but to champion grassroots voices and introduce mature political approaches.
“This is a party election, not a general election. We need to go to the ground, listen to the members’ grievances, not get on stage to shout and condemn others,” he added.
He stated that the election platform should be a space for constructive ideas, not personal attacks.
“If you want to get on stage, bring facts and proposals beneficial to the party. If it’s just to insult and ridicule, that’s not our party’s culture,” he said.
