In a telling move, PKR deputy president Syed Husin Ali has stated his preference for the status quo to remain in the party.

NONE “I would prefer for (party de facto leader) Anwar Ibrahim and (current president) Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail ( both left ) to be retained,” he said.

The party veteran then listed three reasons.

“There will be less conflict in the party; secondly, the party will be much stronger for the 13th general election; and thirdly, we will see a clearer picture in the succession line for the party,” he said.

However, he has denied that the move is similar to cronyism.

“In whatever you do, there will always be criticisms. But the Anwar-Wan Azizah pairing has always been the way before,” he said during a press conference this morning to announce his intention of not defending his deputy presidency.

syed husin ali pc 140910 01 Despite openly endorsing for the top leadership to remain, Syed Husin ( left ) said that the direct elections is the truest way of practising democracy within the party.

“It rests upon the members to determine who they want as leaders,” he said.

Other top PKR leaders have also openly endorsed for the status quo to remain in the wake of the apparent race for the deputy presidency between vice-president Azmin Ali and supreme council member Zaid Ibrahim, which is bound to get ugly.

Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim - also the treasurer-general of the party - has called for a no-contest for the number two post.

However, Anwar's announcement today that he will reject any nominations for him may see the gloves come off for aspirants in the upcoming party polls.