Azmin brushed off PKR’s power struggle controversy

(NST) – Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali brushed off controversy surrounding PKR’s power struggle as posters bearing his name and picture were circulated throughout the state urging the deputy president to take over the party’s highest post from its incumbent Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Azmin, when met by reporters at the Dewan Jubli Perak, here today said with a smile when asked about the posters.

“I do not want to comment on this matter, I have actual work to do.”

When asked whether he knows about the posters or who could be behind it, Azmin neither denied nor admitted to them but continued to smile.

“I have answered questions by the media (on other issues) so there should be enough questions for now.

“No, no comment on any of these matters,” he said.

Azmin who was appointed as menteri besar barely a month ago was a surprise candidate considering PKR’s refusal to offer the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharifuddin Idris Shah any other option for the post other than Dr Wan Azizah.

The power struggle in PKR hinges on the outcome of its de facto leader and Dr Wan Azizah’s husband, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy appeal at the Federal court this Oct 28 and 29.

If Anwar fails in his bid at the court, he could be serving jail time leaving Dr Wan Azizah to mend the family’s legacy in PKR on her own.

It is also apparent that Azmin holds a much bigger grassroot support in the party than Dr Wan Azizah.

Rafizi Ramli’s recent appointment as PKR secretary-general and the alleged ‘leaked’ emails of the party’s leadership’s plan to keep Azmin on a leash further fuelled speculations that Azmin’s appointment had set an imbalance in the party’s hierarchy.

Azmin had also refused to answer when asked by the media on his plan of action if Anwar lost his appeal at the court.

On another issue, Azmin reiterated his stance for the federal government to make the documents in the state water deal available to the public.

“This is not just important for reference purposes, but the projects under the water agreement would effect the public in the near future so they need to know who is involved, when, how much and how are they involved.