Anwar’s withdrew due to sodomy conviction

PETALING JAYA: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's (pix) reason for not contesting the party president's post was due to the sodomy conviction by the Court of Appeal on March 7.
However, he will still remain as the Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) de facto chief.
Party president Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said that despite the setback, Anwar will continue to push for his reformation agenda.
Speaking to reporters at the PKR headquarters here, she said there are rumours that his bid for the top post was an attempt to block a PKR member from heading the party.
Today, PKR election director Datuk Johari Abdul announced Anwar's withdrawal in a letter dated April 14, without stating any reason for his decision.
However, Johari said that he believed the decision by Anwar was taken after his legal team briefed him that PKR could be de-registered by the Registrar of Societies if he contests.
Party elections for national and divisional posts will run from April 26 to May 11. Official results are expected to be released two days after polling closes.