THE recently concluded PKR elections brought out the worst in its leaders, with mudslinging and accusations tarnishing the party that came into federal power just six months ago, said its members.

Among the allegations were those concerning money politics, phantom voters and using jammers to block the e-voting system, with the latest being the hacking of tablets used in the voting process.

A war of words also erupted between Rafizi Ramli’s camp and Azmin Ali’s, the two leaders vying for the deputy president’s post.

Outgoing deputy Youth chief Dr Afif Bahardin said the party’s image had been tarnished and sown discontent towards PKR. 

“To a certain degree, we did not behave properly,” Afif told The Malaysian Insight.

Afif, who is vying for the Youth chief post, said after the elections, PKR should review its governance system.

“We need to resolve this internally. There should be reform in the administration of the party.

“Enough of politicking already. Now, we need to get things done and move forward as a team.”

PKR vice-presidential candidate Tian Chua, meanwhile, urged defeated candidates to accept their losses and not to kick up a fuss.

The former Batu MP aligned to Azmin said problems would arise if Rafizi did not accept defeat.

“Rafizi needs to accept his defeat and accept an appointed position. Then, there will be no problems. The others are quite prepared to work together,” Chua said.

PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said quarrels had been going on in party elections since 2001.

The Setiawangsa MP said PKR allowed for a “mature democracy”, so dissenting views were bound to surface.

“I know many of us are quite used to winning and losing. Differences are there but generally, we moved on.

“People do not want sycophants and blind loyalty. That is why PKR promotes democratic contests, with the ‘one man, one vote’ concept. We are the most democratic and multiracial party in the country,” Nik Nazmi said. 

The 36-year-old aligned to Rafizi is in the running to be a central committee member after giving up his Youth post. 

Nik Nazmi also said the e-voting system should be improved upon to curb untoward incidents.

“The election process must be improved, but the idea of preserving party democracy must be defended at all costs.”

Subang MP Wong Chen also said the bad blood among PKR leaders would not last and that the party would stay united as politicians were a pragmatic bunch. 

“Politicians, by nature, are practical people. Especially now, since we are the government. We should close ranks instead of being two separate camps,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He, however, said this year’s party elections had been the worst, as many leaders were vying for party positions for a better chance to bag ministerial positions.

“This election is unusual because many politicians think if they have party positions, it will be important for advancement in the government,” Wong said.

The sticky task of reuniting the party now lies with party chief-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim, as he is the leader every faction in PKR looks up to. 

“Anwar has the heavy task of repairing the image of the party. Only he will be able to get both sides to work together,” Afif said.

After the polls, the main issue for PKR is to ensure Anwar becomes the next prime minister after Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said Wong.

“Ultimately, the party should stick together behind Anwar. That is the ultimate aim: make Anwar PM.”

Chua said despite all the internal battles in the party, Anwar’s place it in was not up for debate.

“This is never an issue for Anwar. He will still be our leader. All of us must now reconcile and move on.” – November 12, 2018.