After weeks of speculations, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim ( below ) has confirmed that his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also PKR president, will not contest in the 13th general election.

NONE "Azizah was able to lead the coalition particularly PKR when I was in prison and she remains, of course, president but she has now decided not to contest in the election," he told international television channel Al-Jazeera yesterday.

The opposition leader was rebutting accusations that he is building a political dynasty as his wife and daughter Nurul Izzah, who is also PKR vice-president, hold important positions in the party.

His response has ended the speculation that Wan Azizah, who resigned as Permatang Pauh MP in July 2008 to make way for Anwar's return to Parliament, will go for a state seat in Selangor.

Because she had quit in 2008, election laws dictate that she cannot run for Parliament for five years but she is still able to run for a state legislative assembly seat.

Azizah was once considered a potential nominee for the menteri besar's position, to shore up support for Pakatan, which is facing a strong fight from Selangor BN.