Azmin as opposition leader
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president, Mohamed Azmin Ali, is being touted as the next leader of the PKR-DAP-PAS opposition pact in Parliament.
He is expected to take over the role from Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail when parliament sits on Aug 18 following the PKR president’s resignation as Member of Parliament (MP) for Permatang Pauh yesterday.
Mohamed Azmin is seen as the most suitable candidate to be opposition whip as a result of Dr Wan Azizah’s resignation to make way for her husband, PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to contest the seat in a by-election.
PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub told Bernama that it was up to PKR to decide who should lead the opposition in parliament before the by-election. However, he felt that Mohamed Azmin would be most suitable for the post as he was a senior leader of the PKR.
“Usually, the three parties (in Pakatan Rakyat) will discuss any move. But as an MP, I respect convention… here meaning leaving it to PKR to decide,” said Salahuddin, who is the MP for Kubang Kerian. PKR information chief Tian Chua said the matter should not be blown up.
The MP for Batu, however, did not want to speculate on who qualified to be the opposition whip when the Dewan Rakyat sitting resumes soon. “We propose that Datuk Seri Anwar fill the vacant post, but for now we have no proposal yet,” he said.
Jelutong MP from the DAP, Ooi Chuan Aun said there was no tussle for the post of opposition leader in parliament as there was understanding and consensus among the three component parties in the opposition.
“As usual, the transfer of power should be to the most senior member, that is Mohamed Azmin before the post is handed over to Datuk Seri Anwar after he wins the Permatang Pauh by-election.
For the moment, Azmin is seen as the most suitable candidate,” he said.
