It is hard for the opposition to compete for members with the ruling parties, which can offer incentives and are not above using corrupt means, says PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar in response to news that Umno is attempting to lure PKR state reps to cross over.

“I think in a country like Malaysia, where you have a kleptocratic government constantly offering incentives through corrupt means, there will be challenges,” she said after moderating the Social City 2 Conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

With the announcement of Muhammad Muhammad Taib rejoining Umno from PKR, sources told The Malaysian Insight that Muhammad was to have taken eight Pakatan reps with him to Umno.

However, sources said the plot fell through following intervention from high-level stakeholders. Selangor PKR assemblymen had also denied this when contacted by The Malaysian Insight.

Nurul added that PKR has a “clear-cut political filtration system” to ensure its candidates are loyal to the party.

“Of course, you do the very best to ensure the right candidate gets the position but, at the end of the day, it is also incumbent upon the person to follow his or her conscience.

“We have a strong system. In the last general election, we set up a committee called Jawatankuasa Saringan Calon to look at the viability and credibility of every candidate.

“I make sure there is a certain degree of scrutiny on the people (coming into the party), their financial situation and everything else,” she said.

The Selangor assembly has 56 seats with DAP holding 14 seats, both PKR and PAS 13, and Amanah two. Barisan Nasional holds 12 seats, while two seats are held by independents. – September 19, 2017.