Kuala Lumpur: PKR vice-president candidate Datuk Seri R Ramanan has denied any wrongdoing following the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing him handing cash to another individual in front of a business premises. The Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives clarified that the video was an old recording and described it as a malicious slander resurfaced by irresponsible parties ahead of the party’s elections.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramanan explained that the incident in the video occurred after the Selangor state election and took place outside his service centre. He stated that he was handing money to his own staff and pointed out the visible Pakatan Harapan logo on the door in the video. Ramanan criticized the circulation of the video as an example of dirty politics and expressed hope that those responsible would learn a lesson.
The 34-second video clip, which went viral, shows Ramanan handing money to an individual before walking away. Addressing the ongoing party polls, Ramanan, also PKR’s deputy information chief, urged all candidates to campaign respectfully, avoiding insults or personal attacks, and to focus on engaging with the grassroots.
Ramanan emphasized the importance of connecting with grassroots members, listening to their struggles, grievances, and hopes, as the party election is distinct from a general election. He also responded to backlash over a previous statement about PKR’s potential to secure up to 80 seats in the 16th general election if Nurul Izzah Anwar wins the Deputy President post. Ramanan explained that the figure was an optimistic target inspired by Nurul Izzah’s successful leadership in GE14.
The PKR polls feature a contest for the Deputy President post between Nurul Izzah and Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, with incumbent President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remaining unchallenged. PKR’s National Congress, including the Angkatan Muda Keadilan and Women’s wings, is scheduled to take place from May 22 to 24 in Johor Bahru, with central leadership elections on May 23.