The group, led by Teluk Kemang MP Datuk Kamarul Bahrin Abas, said the support was given based on Azmin’s qualifications and experience.
“On that basis, we MPs and Senators declared our support for Azmin Ali as the party deputy president in the party election,” said Kamarul.
Missing from the group were Azmin, Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, Bandar Tun Razak MP Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and party de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Permatang Pauh MP.
Additionally, only six of 20 MPs were present at today’s press conference. They were Kamarul, Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin, S. Manickavasagam (Kapar), Datuk Johari Abdul (Sungai Petani) and Datuk Mustafa Kamal Mohd Yusoff (Penang Senator).
“YB Azmin Ali is a senior figure [who] has gone through various challenges... his family humiliated, when he led the Reformasi movement,” said Kamarul who is also the Negri Sembilan PKR chief.
“His leadership and perseverance have been tested and as a senior founder, together with Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, they will bring the party to greater heights,” he added.
Kamarul also announced the group’s support for any MP contesting for posts during the party election.
“We would also like to declare our support for other leaders who have proven their commitment and ability to handle responsibilities,” said Kamarul.
“We call on party grassroots to support all MPs contesting in any position at all levels,” he added.
Another contender for the deputy presidency, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, had said this morning that he has been subjected to unprecedented attacks since announcing his intention to contest.
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.
Some 400,000 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.