SHAH ALAM - Former Bersatu federal territories secretary, Dr Mahathir Mohd Rais, has called on the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to launch a full investigation into claims of manipulation in Bersatu internal election, saying the matter threatens the integrity of the party’s democratic process.
Mahathir said the allegations made by Machang Member of Parliament (MP), Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, regarding a so-called ‘sleight of hand’ in the recent election were not political rhetoric but a serious concern that demanded scrutiny.
He said the claims involved the Party Election Committee’s (JPP) alleged decision to nullify the victories of certain candidates, including Akmal Zahin Zainal Zahir, in several divisions, raising doubts about the transparency of the process.
“Information received from members in various divisions, including Selangor and the Federal Territories, has also raised serious concerns when there were cases of members who did not attend meetings but were ‘represented’ by others to complete the quorum,” he told Sinar.
Mahathir added that such actions undermine confidence in the elected leadership and tarnish the credibility of the entire election process.
He urged ROS to review attendance lists, meeting records and all related documents to verify whether the election followed proper procedures.
“Firm action without compromise must be taken if falsification or manipulation of election documents is proven.
“If the election is only valid on paper, then the legitimacy of the results and those elected must also be questioned,” he mentioned.
He stressed that transparency is essential to preserve the integrity of Malaysia’s political system and to ensure that party democracy is not merely a slogan.
The Bersatu Armada elections held in October last year were mired in controversy, following allegations that the initial results for the post of Armada Chief, which did not favour Muhammad Hilman Idham, were later altered.
Last week, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal claimed that based on the actual vote count, Hilman had in fact lost to his challenger, Akmal Zahin, before the JPP allegedly invalidated results from several divisions that supported Akmal.