16 April 2025 | KUALA LUMPUR – Ottrangknews
The battle for leadership in PKR’s Batu division is intensifying as lawyer and former student activist Asheeq Ali officially announced his challenge against incumbent division chief and Batu Member of Parliament, P. Prabakaran.
Asheeq’s bold step is seen as an effort to reignite the reformist spirit within PKR, particularly in Batu – once a symbol of political change in the country. However, a cloud of controversy is gathering as allegations of money politics spread widely on social media and among party members.
A viral video claims that RM100 in the form of “duit raya” (festive money) was distributed to PKR Batu members at a recent event. A woman in the video, allegedly a member of Prabakaran’s team, can be heard saying that an additional RM100 would be handed out on polling day after members cast their votes.
> “If we win, there’ll be a jackpot… don’t worry,” she said.
Prabakaran has swiftly denied the allegations, firmly stating that he never instructed any team members to distribute cash. In an official statement, he said:
> “I categorically deny this allegation. I am also fully prepared to cooperate with the party’s election committee to assist in any further investigations.”
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the PKR Election Committee are now under the spotlight. Loyal supporters of Asheeq are demanding a transparent and thorough investigation. They argue that this issue is not only about the validity of a candidate but also the dignity and integrity of the party itself.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s Prime Minister and President of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), has long been a vocal opponent of corruption at all levels. The public is now watching closely to see whether he will uphold the same standards when the issue of money politics involves his own party.
With the Batu division elections set to take place between April 11 and 20, and the national leadership election scheduled for May 24, the Batu race is no longer just a duel between two rising young leaders – it has become a litmus test for integrity, principles, and the future of reform within PKR.