KUALA LUMPUR – Founded after the incarceration of its leader Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PKR has positioned itself as a champion of reform and democracy, being the first political party in Malaysia to allow every member, regardless of their position, an equal vote in the organisation’s decision-making process.
However, it appears this “one member, one vote” principle now hangs in the balance as PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh recently said that the party is considering changes to its internal polling system.
This is not the first time party members voiced such controversial opinions. Following the 2018 PKR election which was marred by allegations of tampering with electronic voting devices, phantom voters and crowded polling centres, party leaders opined that the “one member, one vote” may not be feasible.
For some, however, issues in the system were not a sufficient reason for the party to abandon its democratic principles.
10 years ago, even with strong opposition from members against the party’s democratic-centric voting system, party leaders such as then-PKR central election committee chairperson Tan Sri Johari Abdul came to the defence of the “one man one vote” system which the party has used to elect its leaders since 2010.
Back then, an optimistic Johari concluded that while the party’s voting system could use improvement, he also said that the current mechanism remains best as it complies with the party’s democratic principles.
At this moment, as PKR’s leadership is set to meet this Saturday afternoon, it remains uncertain where they hope to steer the ship in terms of the election process.
Would they maintain their direct voting mechanism, or would they adopt a delegate system similar to its unity government partner, Umno and other legacy parties?
A move to completely overhaul PKR’s internal voting system could, however, bring into question the party’s stance as a champion of reform and democracy, potentially leading members to believe there are internal attempts to ensure certain leaders remain in top posts.
So, is PKR adopting a delegate voting system?
PKR treasurer William Leong said that the party is looking at mechanisms to make their internal voting system more efficient while ensuring it remains democratic.
He suggested that like any system, PKR’s current election process comes with its fair share of pros and cons, adding that it is incumbent to improve upon its deficiencies.
“We are looking at ways to improve the democratic rights of our members and make (the voting process more efficient).
“We are also looking for a system that would strengthen the party.
“On being democratic, we are the first (party) in the country with ‘the one member, one vote’ (system). But there are also practical drawbacks (to this),” Leong told Scoop, declining to detail specifics at this stage.
Meanwhile, when queried if any move to alter the party’s voting mechanism could result in a less democratic process, Fuziah answered in the negative.
However, when asked if there is a possibility for PKR to adopt a similar delegate voting system to Umno, Fuziah merely said: “We’ll make an announcement soon”.
“Whatever study that is being conducted regarding party elections, we will ensure that the party continues to uphold the principle of participatory democracy.
“That’s one of our guiding principles,” Fuziah said when contacted.
From the party’s youth wing, communications chief Nabil Halimi said that since PKR is a growing party, it is pertinent to make sure that party elections are conducted fairly in a controlled manner maintaining the good democratic spirit.
Nevertheless, Nabil said should there be any changes to the current voting system, party leaders would have to come to a consensus first.
“Any changes (to the voting system) should be a strategic direction to ensure that members are empowered.
“I believe Fuziah’s recent views on the matter show that she would like the party to move forward and improve,” Nabil said.
Central executive committee member Raiyan Abdul Rahim also pointed out that PKR is looking to review its party constitution, and internal elections are just one factor which is being considered.
She said that PKR is also looking to consider how it can empower party branches to ensure better representation among grassroots members.
Nevertheless, Raiyan said that with her participation in PKR elections since 2014, the process which began for her by voting on paper has evolved to include electronic voting and division delegates representation.
“We still want to be democratic, but we have to be realistic and practical in terms of logistics and other aspects.
“The discussions being had so far are to guarantee better representation.
“If it is felt that branch delegate representation is better, it is to ensure more members have a direct or indirect say in the process.
“If you were to ask for my personal view, I take pride in PKR being a champion of democratic principles. For me, the top six positions should be ‘one man, one vote, while the central executive committee could have a delegate system,” Raiyan said when contacted.
We can improve on other things, not compromise on ‘one man, one vote’
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim, meanwhile, maintained that PKR should not do away with its current “one man, one vote” system given its democratic nature.
However, he pointed out that certain changes can be made to the current election process, particularly on the online voting system which could be exposed to tampering and fraud.
“Go back to the system where we vote like we do in every other election conducted by the Election Commission. Put our vote on paper,” Hassan told Scoop.
The government backbencher also recommended that the party president refrain from appointing vice presidents and state party leadership positions to ensure democratic principles are complied with and cronyism is avoided.
“Vice president positions should be chosen by the members, not the president. State leadership positions must be voted in by the respective divisions in each state.
“This, however, would require amendments to the party constitution,” Hassan added.
Another senior PKR source said that the party’s current hybrid system which has direct voting for top positions and delegate representation for the central executive committee is ideal.
The source suggested that any attempts to introduce a delegate voting system involving the party’s branches could cause distrust in election results given that there are only 2,000 PKR branches.
“One member, one vote differentiates us from other parties.
“We must defend our voting system as a symbol of democracy and reforms.
“It would be peculiar to abandon this system after we have successfully put Anwar in the country’s highest office,” the source added. – October 25, 2024