PKR is making a mockery of democracy, says academic

(The Star) – PKR will lose its moral and political legitimacy if it continues to allow unhealthy practices in the party, said an academic.

Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Social Science deputy dean Dr P. Sivamurugan said the party would only be making a mockery of democratic practices if it continues to ignore complaints of underhand tactics used to ensure the victory of certain personalities.

“It will affect the party’s credibility in the future if complaints of phantom voters, vote-rigging and other discrepancies in the voting process are not addressed,’’ he said.

Dr Sivamurugan said this in response to reports of vandalism, assault and procedural defects that marred PKR division elections.

“The party should take responsibility and address the issues instead of blaming others for its mistakes.

“It should not take the easy way out by alleging that others are out to sabotage it.

“People are watching developments in PKR and other Pakatan Rakyat component parties.

“If they cannot even handle their own divisions, how do they expect people to trust them to run the country?’’ he asked.

Dr Sivamurugan also said manpower shortage should not be an excuse for not being able to run a clean, free and fair election.

He said it was unhealthy of leaders to continue attacking deputy vice-president candidate Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.

“What are they afraid of? They should leave it to the members to decide,’’ he said.

Dr Sivamurugan also said reports of physical assaults during party elections reflected very badly on PKR.

Schoolboy Vujenthiran, 13, sustained a muscle tear when he tried to rescue his father S. Kottapan who was attacked by a group of men during the Kota Raja division election on Sunday.

Kottapan, who was vying for the division chief’s post, was attacked when he protested against the ticking of ballot papers on behalf of elderly voters.