PETALING JAYA: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that he has been chosen by the opposition coalition to contest in the upcoming Kajang by-election.
"Pakatan leaders had a meeting this morning and they reached a consensus that I will be contesting for the seat, which was relinquished by Lee Ching Cheh," Anwar told reporters at the PKR headquarters here.
His candidacy was announced by Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
Also present at the Press conference were DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and Pas vice-president Salahuddin Ayub.
Anwar said the move was made to further solidify Pakatan's leadership in the state.
However when asked on rumors whether it was a precursor for him to replace Khalid as menteri besar, Anwar described the rumours as "mere speculation".
Anwar also brushed aside talks that the by-election would be a waste of public fund and was done to resolve the friction between Khalid and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.
Khalid also declined to answer the same question thrown at him.
"Our priority now is to strengthen the party for the by-election," he said.
Yesterday, Lee handed over his resignation letter as state assemblyman to Selangor assembly speaker Hannah Yeoh.
Lee had said that his resignation was made for "the greater good of Pakatan."
Read more: Anwar to run for Kajang seat - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/anwar-to-run-for-kajang-seat-1.472302#ixzz2rfPnVngS
