Wan Azizah bows out of GE13 race

The PKR president says that she wanted to focus her energy to campaign for Pakatan Rakyat all over the nation.

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PETALING JAYA: PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail today confirmed that she will not be contesting in the 13th general election.

“I want to campaign all over the country,” she said, explaining her decision.

Yesterday, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar said that Wan Azizah’s candidacy “remains a possibility” until nomination day.

She also said that although PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim had announced that the president would not be contesting, Selangor PKR grassroots’ members are lobbying for her candidacy.

Wan Azizah, who is also the former Permatang Pauh MP, said that she could contribute more to the party if she goes around the country to campaign.

“This electoral battle is a very close one. With a little tip, I hope I can make a change to the results,” she said.

On another matter, Wan Azizah dismissed accusations by former DAP vice-chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim that Pakatan Rakyat is attempting to create chaos on polling day.

“Whatever he said, please show proof,” she said.

Yesterday, Tunku Aziz said that he had received related documents that appear to indicate that there are plans by certain parties to disrupt the 13th general election by creating chaos.

“I have also seen an internal PKR document dated Dec 15, 2012 which lists out various steps to create chaos and dissatisfaction against the Election Commission on polling day by raising repeated protests at the polling stations so as to cause the other voters waiting in the queue to be unhappy and dissatisfied with the electoral body,” he was reported as saying.

Questioned on the document, Wan Azizah said: “What internal memo? There is no such thing.”

She also reminded Tunku Aziz that since PKR’s inception in 1999, it was always the Barisan Nasional side that created problems during general election.

“Just look at our history. It’s always them [BN],” said Wan Azizah.

Meanwhile, the PKR president was coy when questioned whether Abdul Khalid Ibrahim would be retained as Selangor menteri besar should Pakatan win the state again.

“At the moment, he is the most probable MB but we have few capable candidates with good track record. What matters is we have the right policies,” said Wan Azizah.