Zaid makes U-turn, wants in on PKR polls

In a reversal on his pledge to stay out of the PKR elections, Zaid Ibrahim has stated his intention to offer himself as a candidate for an unspecified post.

The offer comes with the condition that Khalid Ibrahim (left) , who is also Selangor menteri besar, will not contest “that position”, which is widely seen as the deputy presidency.

“If he wants it, I am more comfortable giving way to him because he has a lot of experience which will help the party. He doesn’t like to bad mouth others. He prefers to work,” said Zaid, in a posting today on his blog.

He attributed the decision to join the electoral fray to repeated attacks on his character and ideals.

Zaid (right) claimed that his detractors had said he would betray the Malays, that he likes ‘cheap publicity’ from non-Malays and is out to sabotage PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim’s goals.

“The attacks are hurtful and shocking, especially when I’ve declared I was staying out of the contest. But they are relentless. So I have made a new decision,” he said.

“If they are going to attack relentlessly, I might as well enter the ring. Some say, if you are going to be beaten up, make it worth the while.”

Zaid’s announcement was buried in the final paragraph of a long article defending Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, who has been accused by Malay rights pressure group Perkasa of questioning Article 153 of the federal constitution.

PKR deputy president Syed Husin Ali is not expected to contest the party polls. Division leaders will begin to nominate candidates for national-level posts at the end of this month.

Cause of discomfort

Zaid’s claim to fame is rooted in his advocacy of reforms during his six-month stint as de facto law minister during his final months with Umno.

He quit his post following the use of Internal Security Act against dissidents and journalists in 2008.

When he was sacked from Umno a few months later for attending opposition functions, he was quickly ushered into PKR.

Touted as a prize catch for Anwar (right) , Zaid was quickly positioned as the Pakatan Rakyat coordinator and was among the key figures who drafted the coalition’s common policy framework.

Although he does not hold an official post, Zaid’s rise to prominence has ruffled feathers among the party faithful who have questioned the wisdom of electing a newcomer to high office.

Critics have also claimed that Zaid carries baggage , as Umno found him guilty of vote-buying during Kota Bharu Umno division elections. He was suspended for 18-months but Zaid has claimed innocence, pointing out that he had won the seat uncontested.