PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed speculation that Kulim-Bandar Baru PKR parliamentarian Zulkifli Nordin will soon defect to rivals Umno.

anwar ibrahim parliament pc on budget and najib 131008 05 “There is no basis for the speculation,” Anwar told reporters at a press conference in the Parliament lobby today.

The opposition leader said he is in constant contact with Zulkifli and that there is no imminent risk of losing the first-time MP to Umno.

On the ruling coalition’s move to withdraw the election petition against Zulkifli yesterday, Anwar said it reflects BN’s lack of confidence in winning the petition or facing a by-election.

“I am pleased that they have decided to withdraw. They conceded defeat because this is a case they were sure of winning and the strongest case of any petition they claimed (to have).

“(But) suddenly at the last hour, they decided to withdraw, I believe they have no courage to face us in any by-election,” added Anwar, who is also Permatang Pauh MP.

He and Zulkifli had held a discussion earlier as to whether the latter would re-contest the seat if the BN election petition was upheld. However, it was decided that the question should be dealt with by the party.

It is vital for Anwar to retain the presence of all current opposition parliamentarians in the Pakatan Rakyat camp, given his boast that he will be able to form the federal government when 30 BN backbenchers enter the opposition alliance. This has yet to happen.

Meanwhile, the man at the centre of attention himself dismissed talk that he will join Umno soon.

lina joy court hearing palace of justice 300507 zulkifli nordin "I am still with PKR. I am still seated (with) PKR. The question of defection doesn't arise at all," he told reporters when met at the Parliament lobby.

Zulkifli had come under fire from party colleagues for his prominent role in the protest against a recent Bar Council forum on issues relating to conversions from Islam.

He admitted to a “hiccup” in relations with Anwar, but denied that he has lost confidence in PKR

“I am still in contact with the party leader (Anwar). There is no problem between us. Just a little hiccup (over) my cause (support of Islam), but there is no question of defecting,” he stressed.

Early last month, the MP was given notice by the party that he would face a disciplinary committee to explain himself regarding the Bar Council incident.

“There was disciplinary action and I explained my stance. I prioritise my cause and if PKR provides a platform for Islam, then I would have no problem,” Zulkifli added, saying that Anwar has given him an assurance on this.

‘Let’s all move forward’

As reporters pressed him for comments, he quipped he would only consider joining Umno if he is offered a top post.

“If they (Umno) offer me the post of deputy prime minister, maybe I would (join them)...I may seriously consider (it),” he said with a laugh.

He further said attention should now be focused on his strong electoral mandate in the March general election and everyone should “move forward”.

Zulkifli was not present at Anwar’s press conference which took place just minutes before he himself spoke to the media.

Speculation had increased yesterday after BN withdrew its election petition at the last minute when it seemingly stood a good chance of forcing a by-election for the constituency.

The petition was filed on the grounds that Zulkifli had failed to submit his statement of expenditure from his 2004 general election campaign.

general election 2008 vote 050208 type 01 64 Under the Election Act, candidates who do not submit their statement of expenditure to the Election Commission can be disqualified from contesting in future elections.

The petition was filed by Umno's losing candidate Abdul Aziz Sheikh Fadzir against Zulkifli and the Election Commission.

In the election petition, Abdul Aziz also claimed that the returning officer had failed to act against Zulkifli despite having documents confirming his failure to submit the statement of expenditure.

In the general election, Zulkifli won the seat, which has 51, 995 voters, by a margin of 5,583.

However Abdul Aziz withdrew the petition yesterday stating that he wanted to "concentrate on the ongoing economic matters".

"A by-election would consume much energy. Also, one more seat would not mean much (for the BN)," he said.

He added that the decision to withdraw the petition was made a few days ago following a discussion with Kedah Umno and BN leaders.