PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim’s younger brother Rusli has resigned from his post in the Selangor government-owned Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd (KDEB) following attacks by former PKR Youth chief and Umno's latest recruit Ezam Mohd Noor.

Rusli, 59, said he resigned in order to protect the reputation of his elder brother, who was accused of nepotism by Ezam, himself a former protege of Anwar.

In a press statement today, Rusli said that Ezam’s has made “baseless accusations” because Anwar never knew of the appointment.

Rusli said that in April, he was appointed special advisor to KDEB president Abdul Karim Munisar with no executive power and is not a member of the board of director in any companies held by KDEB.

“My appointment in KDEB is without Anwar or (Selangor Menteri Besar) Khalid Ibrahim’s knowledge. I was brought in to boost the company’s profit and ensure KDEB comtributes to the PKR state government’s aspirations.

“However, because of this vicious slander and manipulation, I have discussed the matter seriously with Anwar and I have handed in my resignation letter on June 25 to the KDEB president,” he said.

Previously, Ezam had alleged that Rusli was given a post in KDEB by virtue of having blood relations with Anwar.

“Anwar had always said there shouldn’t be any nepotism in politics, but now he himself has practiced it by appointing his brother to the position,” said Ezam.