The Penang division of the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has expressed shock over Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) vice-president Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman’s statement that party elections must be won by ‘hook or by crook.’
Abdul Rashid’s remark was widely interpreted as an endorsement of a culture of cronyism and money politics.
MTUC secretary K Veeriah said Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) victory in the 14th general election was a result of the people expressing their opposition to the culture of patronage which was endemic during the Barisan National regime.
“We, the citizens of this country, elected for change minus cronyism. It was our hope that this country would embark on a fresh path of transparency and accountability. It was our aspiration that the country would be in the hands of those who subscribe to the ideals of democratic rules and practices. The misplaced affirmation of leaders like Abdul Rashid is a disservice to the hopes of the people of this country,” he added.
Veeriah said if elections are to be won by “hook or by crook”, then would rigging elections with dubious electoral rolls be justified?
“Or worst still – by buying votes through enriching divisional chiefs?
“Isn’t such a proposition going against the very grain of concerns raised by the people and the collective leadership of the PH government? On all counts, it would be a disaster if the PH leadership does not rebut the position taken by Abdul Rashid,” he stressed.
During Bersatu’s annual general assembly which concluded yesterday, Abdul Rashid, a former Election Commission chief, had called for the use of government resources to help the party during elections. He said that the party must do all it could to win elections “by hook or by crook.”
Abdul Rashid, who is heading a government committee on electoral reforms, had said that it is “stupid” to think that party leaders should not get help from the government.
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