 KUALA LUMPUR: PKR incumbent deputy president Azmin Ali today denied Anwar Ibrahim had prevented him from running for the PKR presidency. “The allegations are untrue… I decided after consultations with my colleagues. I opted to remain as deputy president, so that was the decision I made,” the Gombak MP told reporters when approached in Parliament. “It’s not my decision (alone). I had to discuss with friends, companions, and the leadership,” he added. According to a news portal, Azmin was supposed to contest the presidency position but his plan was foiled after Anwar sent a representativeon Saturday to submit his nomination form for the top post. Azmin was said to have been sure of challenging incumbent president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail but at the last minute it was decided he would defend his own position. Interesting Wan Azizah also submitted her nomination to defend her post. Speculation is rife that the husband-and-wife battle for the top PKR post is a ploy to scupper Azmin’s ascent in the party. The incumbent must now defend his post in a six-way struggle that includes his rival Khalid Ibrahim, outgoing secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, incumbent vice-president Tian Chua, Hulu Selangor branch member K Ramachandram and former Puchong branch chief S Murali. When asked how confident he was with his chances, Azmin said: “My experience in government administration and reformasi will definitely help me garner support from the party.” “My track record shows that I have worked for the party for 15 years, and have a track record of working in the government for almost 15 years. “I was involved in rather senior ministries: the education ministry, the finance ministry and the prime minister’s department.” He said that ultimately the party members would decide which candidate could bring the party forward, especially in facing the next general election. Asked if he was ready to debate the other candidates if the situation was called for, Azmin stressed the competition was an internal matter that could be solved “nicely”. “This is not a competition, but an offer to serve the party, all are qualified to serve. “Ultimately, it is up to party members to decide, not the media. This is not a general election, but a party election,” reminded Azmin. The PKR party elections will begin on April 25 and end on May 11. FMT
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