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http://www.thestar.com.my/Opinion/Columnists/Analysis/Profile/Articles/2014/04/12/What-kind-of-game-is-Anwar-playing/
by joceline tan
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim There are moves behind the scenes to propel Saifuddin Nasution to be the next PKR deputy president. IT is still game on for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. PKR leaders had confidently predicted that Anwar would withdraw from the contest for the presidency but he has once again stumped everyone. When the list of confirmed candidates was unveiled yesterday, Anwar’s name was up there alongside that of his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as candidates for the president post. Anwar has never been a conventional political player and that is what makes him so difficult to predict and pre-empt in politics. Just days ago, the big question was whether Anwar would pull out of the race. Today, the big question is why he is still in the running. Party members do not for a moment believe that husband and wife are actually fighting each other for the post, especially not after the way Dr Wan Azizah so lovingly defended him in her maiden speech at the Selangor Legislative Assembly. It is obvious that Anwar wants to have a say in the outcome of the party election. If he had pulled out, he would have been reduced to background noise by now. By staying on, Anwar remains a relevant player and his voice still carries weight. Anwar’s priority is less about the presidency and more about the deputy president contest. Whether or not Anwar pulls out of the race before the election starts will determine who is most likely to win the deputy presidency among the three main contenders – incumbent Azmin Ali, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution. There is also growing evidence that the big man is backing Saifuddin for the No. 2 job. Speculation that Anwar prefers Saifuddin has been rife following a four-eyed meeting between Khalid and Anwar on Wednesday, two days before the nominations deadline. A source said Anwar had explained why he wanted a two-way fight for the No. 2 post. Anwar reportedly said he feared the contest would become another personality clash between Khalid and Azmin. He was also concerned that it would become a “Selangor fight” that would affect the party’s standing in the state. Both Azmin and Khalid are Selangor-based politicians. However, he stopped short of asking Khalid to pull out, although he suggested that Khalid and Saifuddin should have a discussion on the matter. However, Khalid’s political secretary Azman Abidin, when contacted, said Khalid is committed to the contest. He has briefed his team on his meeting with Anwar and assured them he is not backing off. “Tan Sri has said many times that this is his final battle. He wants to win and lead the party into the next general election,” said Azman, who is also the Bandar Tun Razak division chief. According to Azman, Khalid had explained to Anwar precisely why he was in the contest and why he was the better candidate to take on Azmin. Khalid also reminded Anwar of how he had stood by the family when Anwar was imprisoned. He assured Anwar that his regard for “Datin Seri”, which is how he addresses Dr Wan Azizah to this day, has not changed and that he would continue to stand by the family. “They are family friends. It was a conversation between two long-time friends,” said a junior campaign manager of Khalid. According to a party insider, PKR’s power couple are comfortable with Saifuddin. He is seen as more pliable, less polemic and able to work with both sides of the Khalid-Azmin divide. “Azmin and Khalid have become too independent and powerful for Anwar to handle. “He knows that if either of them wins, they will take the party into their own brand of politics,” said the insider. Anwar is actually quite keen to take over as PKR president even though he knows he cannot beat the system. The most obvious reason is that being the party president would give him a higher profile if the Federal Courts rejects his final appeal against the sodomy charges. In addition, he can decry the Registrar of Societies for acting against him. His game plan is said to be two-pronged. If it looks like Saifuddin will win the No. 2 post, then Dr Wan Azizah will withdraw from the race so Anwar can be the next president. The couple will be quite happy to have Saifuddin take over as the acting president in the event of Anwar being disqualified. However, if it looks like either Azmin or Khalid is going to make it, then Anwar will withdraw to allow Dr Wan Azizah to continue as president. The shifting alliances, intricate intrigues and power play going on is reminiscent of Byzantine politics. Anwar is really in a class of his own when it comes to getting what he wants. It is apparent that the next deputy president should not only be competent and popular but should be also be seen as obedient to Istana Segambut, as the Anwar residence is known.
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