Zaid: But I will only do so if Tan Sri Khalid does not want the post.
Zaid did not state the specific post he had in mind.
The PKR supreme council member said he made the decision following continuous attacks against his political beliefs and allegations that he would not protect the interest of the Malays.
“So I have made a new decision. Since I have been under constant attack, I might as well enter the ring,” said the former de facto law minister in a statement posted on his blog.
“But I will only do so if Tan Sri Khalid does not want the post. If he wants, I will be more comfortable to let him contest as he is more experienced and can help the party,” he added.
Zaid has been speculated for the deputy presidency which incumbent Dr Syed Husin Ali is likely to vacate.
Those seen to be in the running too are two vice-presidents—Azmin Ali and Mustaffa Kamil Ayub — and PKR religious understanding bureau chairman Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty.
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.
Zaid, a former Kota Baru MP, previously denied that he’d contest in the party election adding that he would only campaign for young candidates.
“I realise that many Keadilan leaders are not comfortable with my views on many issues. In the current party election campaign, I have heard various accusations, that I would sell the rights of the Malays. I am perceived as a liberal Malay who likes to be popular among the non-Malays in the party,” said Zaid.
“I was also accused of trying to undermine Anwar Ibrahim’s struggle and perhaps sell Keadilan to Umno one day if I am in power,” he added.
Zaid said the attack continued despite his insistence that he would not contest in the election.
Today, Zaid also named Nurul Izzah Anwar as his ally, saying that the Lembah Pantai MP is an example of credible Malay leader.
He praised Nurul Izzah for extending an invitation to Perkasa to debate on Malay rights.
“Her willingness to discuss the difference between rights and privileges has made me happy,” said Zaid.
However he said Nurul Izzah’s views might subject her to attack from conservative Malay leaders.
“Leaders such as Nurul Izzah would be accused of being too liberal or in contradiction with the views of the Malays,” said Zaid.
“She would be attacked by Perkasa, Umno and some leaders in Keadilan. She would be reminded that ‘liberal’ views would not be accepted by the Malays as the Malays are still ‘feudal’,” he added.
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