KUALA LUMPUR – PKR deputy information chief Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has dismissed allegations of money politics or wrongdoing following the circulation of a viral video, saying the footage was an old recording taken after the Selangor state election and involved him paying his staff.
He said the clip was deliberately resurfaced by irresponsible parties ahead of the party’s internal polls to tarnish his reputation.
“That happened after the Selangor state election. The place shown is right outside my service centre, and I was handing money to my own staff,” he said.
“If you look closely, the door clearly displays the Pakatan Harapan logo. So what’s the issue?” he added when met after officiating the Tekun Nasional Basic Entrepreneurship Seminar in Shah Alam today, Bernama reported.
The 34-second video, which went viral on social media, shows Ramanan handing cash to an individual in front of an apparent business premises before walking away.
Ramanan, who is vying for a PKR vice-president post, described the accusations as malicious slander and an example of dirty political tactics.
“If we’re willing to stoop to this level of dirty politics, it’s very bad. This is slander…I hope those behind it learn a lesson,” he said.
He urged fellow candidates in the party polls to campaign with integrity and avoid personal attacks.
“This is a party election, not a general election. We need to really connect with the grassroots, meet them in person, wherever they are and listen to their struggles, grievances and hopes,” he said.
Ramanan also addressed criticism over his recent statement suggesting that PKR could secure up to 80 seats in the next general election if Nurul Izzah Anwar were elected deputy president, saying the remark had been misinterpreted.
“It’s a hope. So is it wrong to have hope?” he said, explaining the figure was an optimistic target based on Nurul Izzah’s role in helping the party win 50 seats in GE14.
The party’s deputy presidency is being contested between Nurul Izzah and incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, while Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains unchallenged as president. – May 17, 2025
PKR’s National Congress, including its Youth and Women wings, will take place from May 22 to 24 in Johor Bahru, with central leadership elections held on May 23.