PKR deputy president Azmin Ali has reiterated his support for party president-elect Anwar Ibrahim and pledged to work with him.

The economic affairs minister said his loyalty was unwavering, adding that he had even withdrawn his candidacy for the deputy president’s post in the past to give way to Syed Husin Ali upon Anwar’s request.

“A decade ago, I put myself up as deputy president. I wanted to go up against Syed Husin Ali.

“Anwar called me and told me ‘Azmin, do not go against Syed Husin, he is my teacher’.

“So when he advised me, I withdrew. If I could withdraw…,” Azmin said shooting a glance at Rafizi Ramli who narrowly lost the race to become the deputy president in this year’s party polls.

Azmin also said it has not been easy for him as he had to fend off tough challenges from former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and former Selangor menteri besar Khalid Ibrahim for the PKR post in the past.

“I’m not here on a free ticket. I have been fighting for my place for a long time. Previously, it was Zaid and Khalid.

“Rafizi was not taking me on but he was offering his services to the party,” he said.

Despite the obstacles, Azmin said he remained “cool”, adding that those who keep calm will be rewarded eventually.

“Anwar advised me to be calm. But I said how am I to remain cool if I’m being attacked from the left and right. Anwar said ‘if you remain calm, you will be victorious for life’,” he said.

The Gombak MP urged party members to close ranks and support Anwar as the new president.

“It is okay, but we do not want to fight as though it’s World War Three. If there are mature leaders, all these problems can be resolved easily.

“I plead with you, do not betray this struggle,” Azmin said.

The PKR elections, which lasted for six weeks, was a battle between two camps, one led by Azmin defending his post and and the other by his challenger Rafizi.

Rafizi conceded defeat on Friday and said the party should be united for Anwar’s sake. – November 18, 2018.