PKR deputy president Azmin Ali took a sarcastic swipe over the saga involving ousted Perlis Bersatu secretary Wan Saiful Wan Jan, saying that criticisms should not be made public.

The economic affairs minister's dig on Twitter follows Wan Saiful's revelation of alleged corrupt practices by Perlis Bersatu soon after news emerged that the latter had been removed from his state chapter post.

"Better to keep your criticism internal. A lot of platforms are available for criticism. (This) Sounds familiar. Hehehe," Azmin said in reply to PKR MP Maria Chin Abdullah's tweet that showed support for Wan Saiful.

Azmin's words are believed to be a thinly-veiled reference to PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's statement yesterday. Saifuddin had advised that it would be more "appropriate and in order" for party members to voice their objections against the party via internal channels.

PKR leaders have criticised Azmin for publicly airing his displeasure over the recent key appointments by party president Anwar Ibrahim.

Azmin had defended his action, stating that certain issues should be raised publicly and it did not mean he ignored proper channels.

Last month, Anwar announced a slew of new appointees to the party leadership, which saw Rafizi Ramli, who lost to Azmin for the deputy post in the party polls, appointed vice-president and Saifuddin being retained as secretary-general.