Penang PKR chief Mansor Othman said while the members welcomed Anwar’s bid for the presidency, others should also be allowed to contest the post in the spirit of democracy.
“For the last 20 years, PKR has engendered the growth of democracy in Malaysia. Even our rival Umno has let go of its tradition of not allowing party members to contest the party’s presidency and other top posts.”
In a statement, he said Penang PKR members had waited a long time for Anwar to assume presidency.
“At the same time, in the spirit of the new Malaysia, PKR should not be excluded from celebrating this festival of democracy,” he added.
Mansor’s remarks followed media reports that the PKR polls next month would be limited to the vice-president posts, with the president’s post left vacant for Anwar.
Anwar, who was released from prison following Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the May 9 election, recently announced that he would be contesting the PKR presidency.
He said he would assume the presidency during the national congress in November if he receives the mandate from the party’s grassroots.
The post is currently held by his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the deputy prime minister.