Anwar Ibrahim has withdrawn from the PKR presidential race, ensuring that his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail retains the top post unopposed.

This was announced by party election committee chairperson Johari Abdul at a press conference at the PKR headquarters this morning.

By pulling out from the contest, Anwar, who is also opposition leader, would remain as the party's de facto chief.

Previously, eyebrows were raised when Anwar decided to contest against his wife, who has held the post since the party's inception in 1999.

Party insiders claimed that the move was orchestrated to stop current number two Azmin Ali from vying for the leadership.

Johari said that the election committee received Anwar’s letter on April 19 about his decision to pull out. An announcement was however delayed due to the funeral of Karpal Singh and other court cases last week, he added.

Johari said that in the letter, Anwar did not give any reasons for backing out.

He then read out the short letter to reporters.

However, Anwar had previously said he may do this to protect the party from the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

Anwar may not be eligible to contest the post as he has been convicted of sodomy and faces a five-year jail sentence.

The ROS has yet to make its stand clear on this. Under special circumstances, it can allow a convicted individual to run for a party post.