Azizah resigned, pave way to Anwar

In the wake of rumours on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's imminent arrest, his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail today resigned as Permatang Pauh MP to make way for him to contest in a by-election in his hometown.

Dr Wan Azizah, the parliamentary opposition leader who will keep her Parti Keadilan Rakyat president post, said she sent the resignation letter to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia today.

Pandikar, who is in Sabah at the moment and will respond on Monday, is expected to notify the Election Commission immediately. A by-election must be called within 60 days after the notification date.

"I thank my supporters in Permatang Pauh who have stood by me in the most difficult times since September 1998 and have shared the joy of victory we all experienced on March 8," Dr Wan Azizah told a packed press conference at the PKR headquarters here today.

The three-term MP, speaking with Anwar beside her, said he would be a good choice for voters as he had articulated a vision for Malaysia that had brought hope to the people.

Anwar, who is facing fresh sodomy allegations, thanked his wife for holding the family and the party since his ordeal a decade ago. "I had intentionally wanted to contest in the Kulim Bandar Baharu parliamentary seat. Unfortunately the on-going petition in court is dragging and taking time.

"After some consultation with my legal time we realised that it cannot be resolved within one month," he said, referring to Barisan Nasional's petition to declare the parliamentary constituency in Kedah null and void after PKR won the seat in the recent general election.

In an immediate reaction, Anwar's former mentor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said: "A loving wife can't do anything better. I am sure my own wife will do the same."

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar also confirmed today that police have completed investigations into the sodomy accusations made by Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan last month. Syed Hamid said the investigation papers are with the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action.

The Malaysian Insider reported this morning that Solicitor-General Datuk Idrus Harun is expected to lead the prosecution if Anwar has a case to answer.

Excerpt from http://www.malaysianinsider.com/index.php/headlines/42-lead-stories/2422-anwar-sticks-to-safe-seat-as-arrest-looms