‘PKR Now Pushing For Azmin To Become MB’

(NST) – IT has emerged that the top leadership in PKR is now seeking a compromise in the tussle over the Selangor menteri besar’s post by offering its deputy president, Mohamad Azmin Ali, as its new primary choice to replace Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

PKR insiders told the New Straits Times that feelers had been sent to the Selangor palace and feedbacks indicated a positive response.

A similar overture had been made to Pas, which had resulted in an equally encouraging response.

Sources close to the PKR leadership said nominating Azmin as the primary candidate for the post was the best choice that party leaders had to resolve the crisis, which had strained relations within the Pakatan coalition as well as incurring the wrath of the monarchy.

One of the sources said it had become clear for the PKR leadership that the palace was not interested in having party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as the MB as she was restrained by external political influences.

“Dr Wan Azizah’s marital ties with (party de facto leader) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had turned off the palace.

“There is no way now for PKR to pursue a single nomination for her as MB,” the source said.

According to party insiders, the nomination and appointment of Azmin could at least placate the hostile view of the Selangor palace towards the party. Azmin, they said could meet the silent requirement of a male MB to conform with palace and religious protocols.

“Plus, at least Azmin’s capability as a leader has been proven, judging from his character, disposition and the followers he has garnered as a politician,” said another source.

The Selangor palace, had on Monday, issued a statement of rebuke against PKR and DAP for defying a decree by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah who had wanted them to nominate at least three names for the MB’s post instead of their single nomination of Dr Wan Azizah.

Another PKR source close to Azmin said the sultan seemed to be agreeable to the party’s proposed appointment of Dr Wan Azizah’s deputy, albeit reluctantly.

“His Royal Highness wants to resolve the crisis as soon as possible, even if it means temporarily pacifying factions within the opposition pact for the betterment of the people’s welfare,” said the source.

Last Friday, Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang objected to the nomination of Dr Wan Azizah, citing her questionable leadership qualities.

His repudiation drew flak from PKR and DAP leaders, with Dr Wan Azizah saying she was hurt by such “personal attacks”.

Pas, in defiance of its Pakatan allies, had forwarded three names — two PKR and one Pas assemblymen — to the palace as MB nominees.

The party, however, refused to disclose the names listed or whether Dr Wan Azizah was included.

PKR’s efforts to pacify Pas over the matter is also being centred on the possible appointment of Azmin as MB instead of Dr Wan Azizah.

It was learnt that allowing Pas to contest in the upcoming Pengkalan Kubor by-election was also part of a “package” offered by PKR to the Islamic party to prevent it from further tearing itself from the Pakatan coalition.

Political observer Prof Datuk Dr Mustafa Ishak said Azmin stood a fair chance in being appointed as MB.

Mustafa, who is also National Professors’ Council political cluster head, said Azmin possessed leadership qualities and was a prominent figure in PKR.

“It was clear that although Pas disagreed with the appointment of Dr Wan Azizah, it had said nothing about Azmin. The names submitted by Pas to the palace remains a secret until this day.

“Azmin’s appointment is plausible, if his name was one of those submitted. He is the party’s deputy president and one of the most senior in the party.”

Mustafa believed that Azmin would accept the appointment.

“However, I will not rule out the possibility that the sultan might appoint someone else, someone who has not been in the limelight. And this person could be from Pas.”

He said PKR and DAP would now be compelled to throw in a few names other than Dr Wan Azizah’s after Tuesday’s public apology to the sultan.

Nonetheless, PKR vice-president Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin yesterday insisted that Dr Wan Azizah was still the sole candidate.

“We had never discussed Azmin’s candidacy for the post. Until today, we are sticking to only one name (Dr Wan Azizah).”