PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said she will retain her presidency in the Pakatan Harapan coalition even after she relinquishes her party post to husband and de facto PKR chief Anwar Ibrahim.

The deputy prime minister said she had no qualms about giving up the post to Anwar, as her leadership in PH and her cabinet positions will not be affected.

“There is no problem, as we feel that my post in PH will still continue,” Wan Azizah told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

Anwar has said he will be contesting for the PKR presidency in the party polls in August. 

When met at Parliament today, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali said that even though Wan Azizah would be giving up the party presidency, a specific role of importance would be created for her as she should continue playing an “active role” in the party and PH.

“If Dr Wan Azizah can give way for Anwar to become president, then we cannot have her as an ordinary party member,” he told reporters.

“I’m sure she has a role to play if she decides to vacate a post as a president because… she has been in the party for the last decade.”

However, Wan Azizah said a decision on party posts has not been discussed internally, but confirmed that the position of “de facto leader” will not remain within the party structure.

“We have not discussed this yet. We will announce it soon but normally, there is no de facto leader in the party structure.” – July 24, 2018.