PETALING JAYA: Pahang PKR will seek a full explanation from the organisers of a food basket distribution programme in Cenderawasih, Kuantan, following allegations that its recipients were registered as PKR members without their knowledge.
Pahang PKR secretary Zukri Aksah said the state chapter took the matter seriously, stressing that all membership applications must be made voluntarily and with the applicant’s knowledge and express consent.
“The party will review the procedures used during the programme, including the information provided to recipients, the handling of personal data, and the membership registration process through the party’s Adil application and eKYC verification.
“If there is any confusion or non-compliance with the prescribed procedures, appropriate corrective action will be taken,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 13).
Zukri said Pahang PKR periodically organised welfare, outreach and appreciation programmes for communities and new members throughout the state, including the distribution of food baskets.
He said the food baskets organised by the party were funded by party resources and contributions from various parties, and were not financed by official allocations from the Federal or state governments.
The distribution was not limited to the poor or those in need, but could also form part of community programmes and appreciation efforts for new members who had voluntarily joined the party, he added.
However, Zukri stressed that food baskets must not be made a condition, reward or inducement for anyone to register as a party member.
“There is no party policy or directive that allows any form of coercion in membership matters,” he said.
He added that standard operating procedures involving aid distribution and membership registration throughout Pahang would also be reviewed and strengthened to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Earlier media reports said recipients of food aid distributed by the Indera Mahkota PKR branch on Sunday (Aug 9) were allegedly registered as party members without their knowledge.
PKR’s Semambu assemblyman Chan Chun Kuang yesterday called on the party to investigate the allegations.
Chan said aid should be distributed based on need, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. He added that party membership should be based on a person’s belief in the party’s ideals and principles.
