It is still too early for Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor to quit politics , said the party's information chief Tian Chua.

"He was modest to declare that he would not contest for higher positions within the party but there's still a long way to go (for the elections). It is up to the grassroots to decide whether to nominate him," he said when met.

Despite his decision to relinquish his post and remain as an ordinary member to focus on a new lobby group he had established called Gerak, Tian ( right ) said Mohd Ezam will continue to play an active role in political issues.

"Gerak is a group that would focus on corruption and an accountable government. He would still be politically involved [...] it would be misleading to say that he is quitting politics," he added.

Age limit

Mohd Ezam, 39, was instrumental in the formation of Keadilan during the height of the reformasi movement in 1999. The party later merged with Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) to form PKR.

Mohd Ezam was the former political secretary of ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim. He, Tian and several other party leaders had also been held under the Internal Security Act.

Over the years, there have been intense speculation that Anwar and Ezam ( left ) could return to the Umno fold, but the duo have ruled this out.

Meanwhile, Tian explained that since the age limit for the Youth wing is 40, it was only natural for Mohd Ezam to say he would not seek reelection as he would surpass the limit when his term ends in 2007.

Remain strong

On the same note, he said the party would remain strong even if the Youth chief decides not to return to party politics.

On Mohd Ezam's statement that one of the reasons behind his decision are the limitations imposed on opposition parties in the country, Tian said this was understandable.

"There will be limitations and frustrations when it comes to influencing government decisions and policies. Like me, some NGO people will join political parties and vice-versa. We need to use both channels to achieve aims of reforms," he said.

Mohd Ezam revealed his decision to quit during a recent exclusive interview with malaysiakini .