More of PKR's elected representatives have come out to voice support for party vice-president Azmin Ali to contest for the post of deputy presidency.

At a press conference in Shah Alam today, 13 of the party's state assemblypersons pledged their support for Azmin, stating he was the best person for the job.

NONE Yaakob Sapari (Kota Anggerik) led the group that included nine state assemblypersons from Selangor and four from Negeri Sembilan.

Reading from a statement, Yaakob told reporters that Azmin is a "senior leader who had undergone rough challenges and has been defamed by his family in facing the reformasi movement".

The statement was starkly similar to the one that supreme council member Kamarul Baharin Abas read yesterday in a similar press conference to voice the unequivocal support of 18 PKR MPs and two senators for Azmin’s candidacy.

Yaakob however reiterated that their objective was to promote healthy competition with the spirit of democratic principles.

He stressed that they were not "attacking" other parties who may have expressed interest for the same post.

He added that the Selangor and Negri Sembilan state assemblypersons listed were aware that their steadfast support for Azmin was being made public.

This follows the aftermath of yesterday’s press conference, where some of the MPs cited by Kamarul later told the media that they were bewildered and shocked about the press conference to lobby for Azmin.

Azmin still mum

PKR supreme council member Zaid Ibrahim was the first to officially announce his intention to run for the deputy post, last Saturday.

pkr national congress 301108 azmin ali Azmin ( right ), a clear favourite and said to be backed by party de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, has however not declared his intention to run.

The incumbent Syed Husin Ali, who has held the post since the party’s inception in 1999, is said to be undecided whether to step down or bid to keep his post.

"This is not a league to cause the downfall of anyone," said Yaakob, when asked whether the group was against Zaid for deputy.

"Azmin is the Selangor chief so the state assembly representatives of Selangor support him to lead the party... this is a democratic process.

"Anyone has the right to contest... it doesn't mean that by our support (towards one), the others cannot contest," he said.

Sri Andalas assemblyperson Xavier Jeyakumar also sang praises for Azmin as state chief.

"I have known him (Azmin) since 1997... and we have since worked together in many elections and fought against countless slanderous remarks against the party," said Xavier.

He however stressed that their support for Azmin was not a sign of opposition towards Syed Husin.

‘Part of the process’

Jeyakumar (below, on left ) justified their calls of support, saying that time was short as nominations will begin soon.

NONE "We don't see (this contest) as this as something special or out of the ordinary,” he said.

“You must understand that since PKR has come to power, the number of people who have become interested for positions reflects on the present candidates who have put their names for the divisional election.

"In the whole process, definitely there will be lobbying, and there will be groups with their preferred candidates (who will) show support.

"It is part and parcel of the political process, and you cannot look at it as a separate entity," he said.

Present as supporters at the press conference were Selangor assemblypersons Amirudin Shari (Batu Caves), Nik Nazmi Ahmad (Seri Setia) and Shuhaimi Shafiei (Sri Muda).

Negeri Sembilan assemblypersons present were Aminuddin Harun (Sikamat), Rashid Latif (Ampangan), M Ravi (Port Dickson) and Chai Tong Chai (Chuah) were also present to show their support.

Supporters who were absent were Selangor assemblypersons Roziah Ismail (Batu Tiga), Gan Pei Nei (Rawang), Lee Kim Sin (Kajang) and Haniza Talha (Taman Medan).

Notable exceptions to the endorsement of Azmin were Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim (Ijok), state executive councillor Elizabeth Wong (Bukit Lanjan) and M Muthiah (Bukit Melawati) from Selangor.