INTERVIEW Born out of one man's political struggle, 14 years on, PKR still largely revolves around its de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

pakatan convention alor setar wan azizah wan ismail The fact that Anwar's wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail ( right ) and daughter Nurul Izzah are helming the presidency and vice presidency respectively, has left them open to harsh criticism over dynastic politics.

In an interview with Malaysiakini last Tuesday, deputy president Azmin Ali, too, had strong words against such practice.

He said that while Anwar's family members were democratically elected to their posts, PKR must be wary of falling into the trap of "nepotism and cronyism" which he said is rife in rival party Umno.

"I have to remind the party leadership to be careful so that such practices (of nepotism and cronyism) do not seep into (PKR) as we have to hold on to clear principles.

"I don't want family influence to dominate party decisions or state or even federal decisions. It's advice that I give to the leadership, and even to myself," he said.

Stressing this several times, Azmin was, however, careful to cushion his words by saying that he is "confident" that Anwar will not let family influence dominate PKR.

He said that his confidence stems from the fact that Anwar had spoken out against the same thing when he was in Umno.

"No such thing has happened in PKR so far...Nurul Izzah was acknowledged by the party for her courage in the reformasi movement since 1998, but she was not lifted up by the president or de facto leader.

"That's good. Thank God, she was elected legitimately," he said.

Not threatened by Anwar's family

On a personal level, Azmin's future in the party, too, may be strongly influenced by whether dynasty politics takes hold in PKR.

NONE Initially reluctant to contest, Nurul Izzah ( left ) won the vice-president's position with flying colours and could mount a challenge for the deputy presidency or even leap over Azmin for the presidency.

According to the constitution, Wan Azizah, who retained the post uncontested in 2010's party polls, can hold the position for another two terms if she remains undefeated in the next two party polls.

Speculation of political interest by Anwar's other children too, could lead PKR down the dynasty path and eat away into Azmin's support base and influence.

This is especially if they find themselves in the political bureau, which does not have to be contested.

But Azmin said these speculations hold no water today, as no one in the political bureau is there by virtue of nepotism and that Nurul Izzah is a member as she was elected as vice-president.

"I don't feel any threat in that sense because I believe in the democratic process in the party. At present the president and vice president are elected among the family members. Next party elections, I don't know. I don't know what my position will be.

"Let us work first. Right now our focus is general election. After that we can discuss the future of the party. Finally, we have to respect the decision made by the party members. I'm okay, there are no problems," he said laughing.

Eyeing MB post?

Azmin was similarly coy when asked about whether he will defend both his state and Parliament seats.

Where Azmin contests will be used by pundits as indication over whether Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim will remain in his job if Pakatan hangs on to Selangor.

Laughing off the suggestion, he said: "No, nothing like that. Don't listen to rumours okay? In fact, it's still an ongoing process and we are meeting again to go through the candidate list.

"I leave it to the president and de facto leader to decide if I remain on both seats or selected for a particular seat. I'm okay."

Related stories

Yesterday:

Umi or Anwar? Azmin 'willing to pay price' of loyalty

Tomorrow: Azmin said Bersih 3.0 speech only 'motivating' protesters