The lawmakers, represented by Teluk Kemang MP Datuk Kamarul Bahrin Abas, said any member may contest in the upcoming election but the final decision rests with the party members.
“I don’t see it that way. We are not aware that he has been attacked. I don’t think any of us is of that sort,” said Kamarul when asked if the group were responsible for what Zaid claimed to be unprecedented attacks against his political stand.
Earlier today, Zaid alleged that since announcing his intention to contest last week, his loyalty to the party has been questioned and he was also accused of working for former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin to destroy PKR.
Zaid, who was briefly the de facto law minister in the Abdullah administration, also claimed that he was warned that he risk being “buried” — the way the late Tun Ghafar Baba had been in the 1993 Umno party election — if he chooses to stay in the race.
Then, Ghafar only received four nominations in that contest and withdrew from the race in favour of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Ghafar was then the deputy prime minister. He lost the government post after the party election and was replaced by Anwar, who was seen as the favourite successor to then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“We are not stopping anyone from contesting. Anyone is free to issue statements. At the end of the day, the members will make the final decision,” said Kamarul, who is also the Negri Sembilan PKR chief.
Earlier today, six of the MPs announced their support for Azmin to run for the party’s deputy presidency.
Apart from Zaid and Azmin, those expected to also contest are vice-president Mustaffa Kamil Ayub and PKR religious understanding bureau chairman Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty.
The incumbent deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali has been tipped to vacate the post.
On the position of party president, now held by Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the group said they wanted her to continue leading the party.
“Here, we are looking at the Wan Azizah-Azmin Ali combination,” said Kamarul.
When asked if the declaration of support was premature since Syed Husin has not announced his departure, Kamarul expressed confidence that the former University Malay academic would not defend his post.
“I dont’t think this is too early. If there are any changes, I don’t think it will lead to problems,” said Kamarul.
Some 400,000 PKR members will vote between September 17 and November 21.
The party amended its constitution last year allowing all members to vote for divisional leaders and the 25 members of the central leadership council — including the president, deputy president and four vice-presidents.
The party’s 218 divisions will hold two separate meetings: One for the annual general meeting and election of divisional leaders, and a second meeting to vote for national leaders.
The divisions will vote for national leaders on weekends, from October 29 to November 21.