PAS’s delay in endorsing Dr Wan Azizah a non-issue, Anwar says

(Malay Mail Online) – PAS’s refusal to endorse Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) sole nominee for mentri besar is a non-issue as the party will decide the matter on Monday, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

The PKR de facto leader confirmed Malay Mail Online’s earlier report that PAS will meet this Monday to confirm its position, but stressed that regardless the outcome, PR’s official stand on Dr Wan Azizah’s candidacy has not changed since its August 17 decision.

“It wasn’t an issue because PAS said they will have to refer on Monday on the process but the decision will be taken then, so there is no issue.

“Our decision stays… we take note of PAS’s stand and of (our) decision to name Wan Azizah as candidate,” he told reporters here.

Anwar also confirmed that there was a PR presidential council meeting yesterday, but said that it strictly focused on “legal implications” after PR submits an official name for the Selangor Sultan to consider.

PAS is refusing to officially endorse Dr Wan Azizah as PR’s sole choice to replace Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in the Selangor mentri besar seat, despite the coalition having previously reached a consensus on the matter.

Malay Mail Online understands that PKR and DAP have drafted an official letter in support of Dr Wan Azizah to be submitted to the Selangor palace as proof that she commands support from all PR lawmakers in Selangor.

The letter was supposed to have been signed by secretary-generals from all three parties, as per PR’s agreement on Dr Wan Azizah’s candidacy as MB on August 17.

But the clock is now ticking for PR, as PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has so far refused to consent to the signing of the letter.

At the same time, party leaders have also been informed that Khalid is expected to meet the Selangor Sultan this Monday.

It is understood that Hadi is still insisting that two names be submitted as Selangor MB candidates, despite PKR’s Azmin Ali stating earlier he would give way to Dr Wan Azizah.

A source said that Dr Wan Azizah may now have no other choice but to rely on the support of the 30 assemblyman (28 from PKR, DAP and two from PAS) as proof of her commanding support of the Selangor state assembly.

MB Khalid was sacked from PKR on August 9 for openly resisting his party’s order for him to step down and make way for Dr Wan Azizah.