‘NO CONTEST BETWEEN ANWAR AND ME’
DPM refutes claims about grassroots members being divided in PKR
PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has brushed aside claims that there will be a contest between her and husband, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for the party president’s post.
Speaking after attending Kajang PKR’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house here yesterday, the deputy prime minister denied such claims.
She also refuted claims that there were two camps in the party, ahead of its internal election next month.
“There are no camps. I wish to refute such claims of team Anwar and team Wan Azizah. We are one team.”
She was asked about reports alleging two camps in the party, one keen on seeing her remain as president, while the other wanting Anwar instead.
It was reported that the party’s grassroots appear to be divided as to who should contest the party president’s post.
Dr Wan Azizah said the decision on whether she should not contest the post had yet to be made.
“My husband is the party’s de facto leader and he is higher than president.”
In George Town, Permatang Pauh PKR Youth division has backed Anwar to contest the party presidency.
Its deputy chief, Haidhar Auni Dzolkapli, said it supported PKR Youth deputy chief Dr Afif Bahardin’s call for Anwar to contest the post.
Haidhar said Anwar was seen as a global icon after being granted a royal pardon in May.
“The visits and invitations from local and foreign dignitaries that were received by Anwar show the respect he gained from those who had been waiting for his release.
“As such, we, the grassroots, will support him to contest the party president’s post.”
Haidhar said, by doing so, this could ensure Anwar’s return to the political scene and to lead PKR.
“With the party elections happening soon, now is the best time for Anwar to return to politics, a move which will be supported by tens of thousands of PKR members.”
On Friday, Dr Afif had said Anwar should contest the president’s post as preparation for him to take over as the next prime minister, if he was indeed the candidate to succeed Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He had said that as a party under the ruling government, preparations had to be made for the future.
“If Anwar is the candidate (as the next prime minister), then it is a must for him to contest the post.
“I believe this will be supported by PKR members. This will lead to his comeback to the party.”
PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution on Saturday said no decision had been made on the proposal for Anwar to contest the post.
He said the matter was up to the party members to debate and discuss in the spirit of democracy in the party.