FULL REPORT PETALING JAYA: Mustaffa Kamil Ayub will not pull out from the PKR deputy presidential contest despite protesting against the alleged irregularities in the election process.
He said that he made the decision after taking into consideration the sentiments of the grassroots and their support for him.
“Though I understand the dissatisfaction of the grassroots over the alleged irregularities, about 75 percent of my supporters have urged me to stay on under protest," he told a press conference here.
He also urged all party members to defend the party's survival and its integrity. "I also urge party members to vote for me and give me the opportunity to serve the party," he added.
What started as a three-way tussle for the coveted number two spot had been reduced to a straight fight between vice-presidents Mustaffa and Azmin Ali after Zaid Ibrahim withdrew.
Zaid threw in the towel in protest against the alleged irregularities.
The former law minister had also alleged that the PKR top leadership was conspiring to ensure that Azmin won the election.
On Monday, Mustaffa and Zaid submitted a memorandum to the central election committee (JPP) chairperson Dr Molly Cheah, urging her to resolve the numerous complaints filed against the electoral process and gave the latter till Thursday to respond.
'Zaid's supporters will back me'
Commenting on this today, Mustaffa said PKR's political bureau and Cheah had given him satisfactory replies to his demands, providing him more confidence to run in the polls.
“We agreed on three issues yesterday. Firstly, they agreed to ensure JPP remains autonomous in the election process. Secondly, it was agreed that a panel be set up to observe JPP to ensure the election body remains transparent,” he added.
Mustaffa said the committee also agreed to look into all the 162 complaints lodged since the divisional electios before Nov 26.
“Plus, Cheah promised to dismiss any of her officers who show favouritism towards any candidate,” he added.
Asked whether his image would be tarnished for deciding to run in a polls allegedly marred with irregularities, Mustaffa admitted that some might form a negative perception about him.
“However, I cannot expect the party to solve the problem fast. This is the first time we are holding a direct election. Having to prepare an election that caters for about 400,000 voters in a short time span, surely there will be some shortcomings.
“That is why I will continue running in the race under protest to safeguard the party image,” he said, describing himself as a troubleshooter and not troublemaker.
Mustaffa was also confident that Zaid's supporters would back him.
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