Umno has labelled Anwar Ibrahim's intention to quit politics should Pakatan fail to win federal power in the next general election as a psychological game, reported Sinar Harian today.

Dr Puad Zarkashi Politicians from both sides of the divide have reacted along party lines to the opposition leader's statement, with Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi, ( right ) calling Anwar "lacking in confidence" of being able to emulate the BN's reforms.

"This is just his psychological game, we know well his attitude, his liking for appealing for sympathy," the deputy education minister was quoted as saying.

He believed that Anwar would not easily give up on politics.

Anwar had told Britain's Financial Times in a recent interview that he might consider retiring from politics and return to teaching should Pakatan fail to win in the next GE.

Meanwhile, Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan opined that Anwar's statement was to motivate the supporters to treat the next GE as the last battle and work harder.

"But he must also remember that we're working very hard to defend Putrajaya and this country, and that BN's struggle is noble," he said.

Nurul: No successor plan

In the Pakatan's camp, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar has dismissed notions that she will be the successor should her father let go of his political career.

She told the Malay daily that such issue does not arise as Pakatan is working hard to ensure the struggle continues.

NONE Nurul ( left ) said Anwar's statement could be his way of consolidating Pakatan's efforts to triumph in the next polls.

"He was the leader who managed to unite these parties into a coalition and the PKR members do not want to lose an experienced leader like him," she was quoted as saying.

PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar said Anwar's stance demonstrates boldness, a spirit to be emulated by other political leaders.

"This shows that Anwar is a gentleman. He took the responsibility to lead Pakatan, and this is a right move of a gentleman should he fail to win the election," he was quoted as saying.