KUALA LUMPUR: PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is expected to make way for her husband, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take over the party’s top post during its internal election this August.
Political analyst Dr Ainul Adzellie Hasnul believes that Dr Wan Azizah would relinquish her post as president if Anwar wants to make a comeback as a politician and as Member of Parliament.
“There are two camps in the PKR election, one supporting Dr Wan Azizah and the other supporting Anwar. PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali is in Anwar’s team.
“If Anwar is contesting for the presidency, his wife will provide an easy way and Anwar will relinquish his position as the party’s de facto leader.
“If this happens, the presidency will not be contested and Anwar will win unchallenged,” he said.
Ainul said if Anwar chose to run for the presidency, Azmin would defend his position as the deputy and a fierce competition is expected to happen for the vice-president posts.
However, he said, PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli would most probably challenge Azmin for the deputy president post if the former was to be elected as a Senator.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia geostrategist Dr Azmi Hassan said the existence of the two camps would not only lead to fierce competition within the party, but also determine which camp would be in control of the Federal government.
“This year’s PKR party election will be an intense one because both camps would want their supporters to hold important positions in the party.
“This will not only determine who will be in control of the party but also the Federal government and state governments,” he said.
Berita Harian had previously reported that PKR is now in a dilemma due to the rival camps within the party as it heads towards its internal election.
One camp is keen on seeing Dr Wan Azizah remain as president while the other wants Anwar to make a comeback, as a preparation before Anwar takes over the premiership from Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
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