Santhara downplays Azmin losing his position due to absenteeism
PKR lawmaker Edmund Santhara has downplayed the possibility of party deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali losing his post due to absenteeism from central leadership council (MPP) meetings.
Santhara, who is also the PKR deputy secretary-general, said this when asked to address Article 21.16 of the party constitution...
PKR lawmaker Edmund Santhara has downplayed the possibility of party deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali losing his post due to absenteeism from central leadership council (MPP) meetings.
Santhara, who is also the PKR deputy secretary-general, said this when asked to address Article 21.16 of the party constitution.
The clause states that any leader absent from MPP meetings three times consecutively without a satisfactory reason is deemed to have resigned. It also states that it will be up to the MPP to enforce the rule.
But as Santhara told Malaysiakini today, Article 21.16 has never been enforced.
"According to the convention, the clause has never been used, because they (absentees) will inform the person who chairs the meeting or there is already an understanding between them."
Santhara said conclusions should not be drawn based on "incomplete information."
"I understand that he (Azmin) is a senior minister and is very busy," he said.
"He has contributed a lot of his time and energy to resolve economic issues, such as with Felda and many GLCs, that require his attention."
Yesterday, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (photo) said Azmin has been absent from MPP meetings since the party polls last year without proper reason.
However, Santhara dismissed this as Saifuddin's "personal view."
"This is his opinion, since the president and deputy president are in communication. I think it's above his paycheque," he said.
Azmin's rift with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim over the appointment of his defeated opponent in the party polls to the MPP widened following a sex video implicating him.
Azmin denied involvement in the sex video, and alluded that its dissemination was an inside job.
Meanwhile, former PKR deputy secretary-general P Jenapala confirmed that the party constitution contains provisions to remove leaders from their positions if they skip MPP meetings.
He added that any leader who decides to be absent must inform the secretary-general and also provide a valid reason.
"In meetings, the secretary-general is the most powerful figure," Jenapala said.
RELATED REPORTS
Even Mahathir has time for party matters, reminds Wan Azizah
Report this comment
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.