INTERVIEW | PKR was established after the Reformasi movement gained momentum nationwide to demand the release of the Anwar Ibrahim, who was sacked as deputy prime minister in September 1998.

In the last two decades, Anwar has been seen as the strength of the "blue eye party".

In an interview with Malaysiakini last Friday, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said Anwar is seen as an institution in the party.

"We are not only seeing him as Anwar, we see him as an important institution. That's Anwar Ibrahim. His views, teaching, messages, instructions and vision are very dear to us.

"But, I am not saying as though PKR is equal to Anwar, no," said Saifuddin, who is the domestic trade and consumerism minister.

Elaborating further, he said Anwar's significance to the party cannot just be translated in terms of the numbers of seats the party won in the May 9 general election or the quantity of PKR ministers, but rather on how his reform doctrine influenced the processes.

"This is what Anwar means to PKR. That's why he is still pretty much alive, even when put behind bars for 10 years," he said, referring to Anwar’s two convictions on sodomy charges in two different periods.

Anwar’s wife and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has led PKR since its formation, while Anwar was endorsed by PKR in its 2007 annual general meeting as its de facto leader.

PKR will conduct its party leadership elections in September and the nomination is scheduled to be held on July 29.

Interestingly, PKR leaders who are seen to be from two different factions, including its vice-president Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin and Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, urged Anwar to run for the presidency.

Shamsul, who is seen as a supporter of PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, had even called for the abolition of Anwar's de facto position.

Wan Azizah, who is allowed to defend her president post for another term as stipulated in the party constitution, said that she will give way if Anwar decides to contest the top post.

While Saifuddin and many remain loyal to Anwar, others have questioned Anwar's leadership, which they said has never been proven as an elected leader.

"The status of Anwar has nothing to do with whether he is in an elected post, for he is beyond that. And, we cannot compare him with the others," said Saifuddin.

There are mixed views in the party on wanting either Wan Azizah (photo) or Anwar to lead PKR.

According to Saifuddin, some in the party want Wan Azizah to continue to helm the party as she has proven in her track record and led PKR to gain the most parliamentary seats among its Harapan allies.

Saifuddin said some opined that Anwar needs to prepare himself to be the prime minister by first heading the party.

He said he never heard of any call for Azmin to run for the party presidency.

"I heard none of that (wanting Azmin). Azmin and I sit in the political bureau and we see each other regularly. There is no sign from him to contest the top post when Anwar and Wan Azizah are still here," he said.

To a question, Saifuddin said he has no idea if Azmin wants to be the prime minister.

Speculation had been rife that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad wants Azmin (photo) to take over the premiership, instead of Anwar, whom the Harapan allies have endorsed as the country's eighth prime minister-designate.

"This PKR election is a family affair. I don't think any party leader or member will take into the consideration the views from outside of the party on its leaders," he said.

"The PKR members know the cultures (and styles) of their leaders and they know what is best for the party," he said.

Saifuddin also disagreed that the top post should be kept unopposed.

Even if Anwar, or Wan Azizah, are challenged for the top post, he believes they can win the party election comfortably as they command the support of the PKR members.

As for Saifuddin, he has yet to decide which post he will contest.

Saifuddin is seen as an important element in party vice-president Rafizi Ramli's team, which is said to be working on its line up to face Azmin and his team.

"I have yet to make any decision as to which post I will contest. This is because my duty as the secretary-general requires me to prepare for the party election," he said.

And work was also heavy, he said, because Sungai Petani parliamentarian Johari Abdul has quit as PKR election director after deciding to contest in the party election.

However, Saifuddin did not reveal which party post Johari is eyeing.

Yesterday:

Saifuddin in the hot seat, tasked to bring goods prices down