PKR cries sabotage as Rim machinery chalks up RM12k in fines

 

MALACCA POLLS | PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasir claimed that Pakatan Harapan may be the victim of sabotage after the coalition was repeatedly issued compounds for alleged SOP violations.

He said that in the Rim constituency alone, Harapan has been issued three compounds amounting to RM12,000 for “questionable reasons” including breaking standard operating procedures (SOP) on putting up party flags in the area and handing out pamphlets.

“There is possibly an element of sabotage on our candidates during this period.

“For example, we cannot control who is distributing pamphlets. They could always say that this is from Harapan, and the ones who get compounded are the candidates,” he said today.

He added that the compounds were merely hindering the campaign process instead of controlling the spread of the Covid-19 virus - hinting at inconsistencies in SOPs for activities.

“[…] Even vehicles, you can follow capacity (depending on the number of seats). But why are only three people allowed to put up flags or distribute pamphlets?” he questioned.

Harapan has been slapped with numerous compounds since the start of election campaigns at the beginning of this week.

Akmal was speaking at a food stall in Felda Kemendor under the Rim constituency to show support for Harapan candidate Prasanth Kumar Brakasan.

Among those who visited the food stall were PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu. However, they all avoided speaking to the press, claiming they would be fined for violating SOPs.

Also present were Prasanth, Malacca Harapan chief minister candidate Adly Zahari and Upko president Wilfred Madius Tangau.

'Listen to the people'

Meanwhile, Akmal, who didn’t seem to share the same sentiments, took the opportunity to urge politicians to listen to the needs of the people.

“I hope politicians look at the bigger picture. We are in politics not to threaten because those affected are the voters.

“My hope is for politicians to pay attention to the rakyat’s issues, (on) what exactly Malacca wants.

“Don’t let what happened to Malacca happen in other states,” he said, attributing a clashing of egos as what led to the triggering of the elections.

When asked about his thoughts on the anti-corruption pledges signed by PN last night, Akmal said it was mandatory for candidates.

While Harapan has long been proponents of anti-corruption, BN has yet to propose the signing of such pledges, he said.

“To me, it shouldn’t be an issue for each contesting candidate in each party to agree on being anti-corruption.

“[…] Anti-corruption is a must, but we must ask if BN candidates are ready to reject corruption.

“Are these BN candidates ready to declare their wealth or state any funds or contributions they have received before or during this campaign period?” he questioned.

Akmal also added that it was no surprise to him that BN’s Sulaiman Mohd Ali had turned down Anwar’s proposal for a chief ministerial debate among the three major coalitions contesting in Malacca.

“It raises the question on whether this election is on issues and ideas we want to bring up or perhaps candidates are contesting in each constituency without bringing our collective ideas to a state level,” he said.  - Mkini