Nurul seeks feedback on race for No 2

(The Star) – Not all leaders in PKR think it is wise for Nurul Izzah Anwar to go for the deputy president’s post despite the push by Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.

Party vice-presidents Azmin Ali and Mustafa Kamil Ayub Azmin cautioned Nurul Izzah that public perception might say a family dynasty was forming if mother and daughter held the two top posts in the party. Nurul Izzah’s mother is party president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail.

However, both said they would respect her decision.

Nurul Izzah said Zaid’s “ultimate political sacrifice” to pull out from contesting the number two post if she was contesting the post had caught her by surprise.

“This is news to me. I need to consult the ground as well as party elders before making my official statement,’’ she said.

The Lembah Pantai MP said this in response to Zaid’s announcement on Thursday that he was prepared to pull out of the race to campaign for her.

However, Zaid did not discount the possibility of contesting the presidency if the move would favour Nurul Izzah.

Among those who have qualified to contest the party deputy presidency are Azmin and Mustafa; Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, strategic director Tian Chua and party president Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ibrahim.

Nurul Izzah, who has also qualified to contest the vice-presidency, has received nominations from Keningau, Ampang and Pensiangan to contest the deputy presidency.

Zaid had said PKR needed leaders like Nurul Izzah who were “brave, dynamic, professional and outspoken.”