Friday August 1, 2008
Wan Azizah makes way for Anwar to contest in Permatang Pauh
By ROYCE CHEAH
PETALING JAYA: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has resigned from her Permatang Pauh MP’s post to make way for her husband, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
At a packed press conference at the PKR headquarters yesterday, Dr Wan Azizah said the decision was made after deliberating with her family, the PKR leadership and partners in Pakatan Rakyat.
“I have officially submitted my resignation as MP to Parliament Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia’s office, to make way for my husband Anwar Ibrahim to contest as a candidate for Pakatan Rakyat in a by-election as soon as possible.”
Family backing: Anwar together with his daughter Nurul (left) and his wife Dr Wan Azizah posing for a photo after the press conference in Petaling Jaya Thursday. Tan is on the right. Dr Wan Azizah, who showed no emotion during the press conference, said it was the right decision for Malaysia, adding that she would continue to serve as PKR president and chairman of the Peace Foundation.
“Anwar Ibrahim has the experience and intelligence to reinvigorate our economy, and the charisma and integrity to unite Malaysians.
“And I’m not saying this just because he is my husband,” she added.
With her were Anwar, PKR vice-presidents Azmin Ali and R. Sivarasa, her daughter and Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar and Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai.
Dr Wan Azizah also thanked her supporters in Permatang Pauh who had stood by her.
As to who would be taking over as the Opposition Leader in Parliament, Dr Wan Azizah said that would be deliberated with the other leaders of the Pakatan Rakyat.
Anwar said he was unperturbed over the possibility of being arrested or charged in the run-up to the impending by-election.
He said the Government had gone on a one-month fishing expedition and had not caught anything.
Anwar added that the Opposition was still on track for the Sept 16 deadline to take over the Government.
“The Election Commission has to call a by-election within 60 days of being notified by the Parliament Speaker,” he added.
When it was mentioned that the Permatang Pauh seat looked very safe, Anwar said he felt most seats were safe for him.
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