Wan Azizah Wins Unopposed After Anwar, Rahman Withdraw

SEREMBAN, May 26 (Bernama) -- Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail retained the seat unopposed at the party' election after two other candidates for the top post, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Abdul Rahman Othman, withdrew from the contest.
Anwar, who is also the party's advisor, said he took the action as PKR risked being deregistered by the Registrar of Societies had he done so.
He cannot hold any political position until April 14, 2008 because of the five year prohibition rule under the Societies Act pertaining to convicted persons.
"The party comes first. My personal ambitions are secondary.
"I expect the general-election to be held in early August as I am seen as a big threat," he told reporters here today.
Speaking shortly before the nominations were announced to the 2,500 delegates and observers present, Anwar implored the voters to give their full support to Wan Azizah. At this time, Abdul Rahman was still in the fray.
He also took to task the ROS for replying to his appeal for an exemption from the prohibition rule only at 4.30 pm yesterday, shortly before government offices closed for the weekend.
The ROS rejected his appeal.
However, Anwar reiterated that he would continue to serve the party as long as the members wished for him to do so.
Many in the crowd stood up to express their displeasure that his appeal was rejected.
They said the ROS should have considered his age factor in making the decision. Anwar is 60.
Shortly after Anwar spoke, Abdul Rahman, who received 10 nominations against Anwar's 120 and seven for Dr Wan Azizah, passed a note to the permanent chairman Abdul Rahman Abdul Kadir stating his intention to withdraw from the race.
The delegates when told of the development gave a thunderous roar of approval.
When met later, Abdul Rahman said that he had discussed the matter with his supporters and that they had given their blessings (for him to withdraw).
The election process began after the delegates returned from lunch and the full results are expected to be out by 10pm. The assembly, which began yesterday, ends tomorrow.
Dr Wan Azizah in her presidential address among others promised to set a minimum wage limit of RM1,000 for Malaysians both in the public and private sectors if PKR won the general election.
She said this was necessary to ensure the lower income groups enjoyed a better standard of living.

tunku : it was expected what anwar will do as he has no guts but rahman pull out was a very shameful act.yesterday he was shouting out loud and today he chicken out.this is party of jokers.where is "lawan tetap lawan" spirit mr anwar??? chicken.