Azmin hit by 11th-hour Anwar-Azizah combo

Just hours before the PKR polls nomination closes, incumbent PKR deputy president Azmin Ali has been put in a spot on whether to defend his position or vie for party's top post.

The tough call came after Azmin's camp learnt that both Anwar Ibrahim and Wan Azizah Wan Ismail would file their nomination papers for party president.

This is despite Anwar's likely disqualification even if he wins the PKR presidency as dictated by his five-year jail sentence for sodomy.

Anwar's DAP counterpart Karpal Singh, had today stepped down as party chairperson pending a court appeal after being convicted for sedition and fined RM4,000.

Under Section 9A(1)(b) of the Societies Act 1966, a person cannot become or remain an officer-bearer of a registered society if convicted of any offence and fined not less than RM2,000 or sentence to a jail for a term of not less than one year.

Anwar's representative submitted his papers at 11am at the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya.

A close aide to Azmin told Malaysiakini that the Gombak MP was not in favour of Wan Azizah remaining as party president but has always advocated for Anwar to fill that office.

But the plan fell into disarray with Anwar's conviction and the aide lamented that an apparent unwillingness to allow Azmin to step up in light of the recent developments.

'Decades of loyalty will be lost'

If Anwar contests for president, it would make Azmin uneasy about going for the post.

"Azmin does not want to go up against Anwar as decades of loyalty to Anwar will go down the drain," said the aide.

However, the concern for Azmin's camp is Anwar will withdraw from the contest, (as his qualification is already in doubt) to pave the way for Wan Azizah's return as president if Azmin decides not to throw his hat into the ring.

"It is as if Azmin is being blocked," said the aide. "If Azmin goes for president, Anwar will probably remain in the race and Azmin will surely be pressured to drop out."

Azmin is reported to have a rocky relationship with Wan Azizah who is seen to favour Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim over her deputy in state party disputes.

If he defends his deputy president position instead, he is expected to face Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid and incumbent PKR vice-president Tian Chua who have already confirmed their candidacy.

Incumbent party secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution is also going for deputy president, making for a crowded race.

Breaking glass ceiling question

Azmin, whose grassroots influence remains widespread, can likely fend off the multiple challenges for the position but increasingly he appears to be facing a glass ceiling from the party's topmost echelon.

This is after being passed over for the position of Selangor menteri besar after the 13th general election despite being Selangor PKR chief.

At the time of writing, Malaysiakini understands that Azmin's camp is holding back his nomination until 4pm.

He is watching closely to see if Wan Azizah follows through with her own nomination and whether he should respond to break that glass ceiling.

But that would entail enormous risk as he would be left without a position if he is forced out half way through the race or is defeated by Anwar, who in turn may be axed by the Registrar of Societies if he wins.

However, Malaysiakini was informed that after discussions in Azmin's camp, it was decided this afternoon Azmin will play it safe and defend his position as deputy president.