PKR to give time for Azmin to explain absence, private meetings

PKR is still open to giving time for party deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali to explain his continued absence from attending its political bureau meetings and for his latest meeting with BN MPs.

PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil (above) told reporters no deadline has been set for Azmin to explain his recent actions, despite party president Anwar Ibrahim's demand for the economic affairs minister to attend tonight's political bureau meeting held in parliament.

"I think that's your reading of the situation. Ours is still open," said Fahmi when quizzed whether Azmin had crossed the line by continuing to be absent tonight.

"We didn't set a timeline for that (Azmin to explain)," Fahmi said, and when further pointed out that Anwar had said Azmin is expected to attend and explain himself tonight, added, "he's supposed to attend every meeting."

"Perhaps he (Azmin) has some urgent matter he needs to attend to...perhaps the media should ask him," he told reporters in parliament after the meeting chaired by Anwar, who left earlier without addressing the media.

Fahmi said as the party was still waiting for Azmin's explanations, its leaders present tonight did not deliberate further on the latter's meeting with BN MPs at his private residence on Monday night and the subsequent meeting with a select group of PKR MPs in parliament yesterday.

When pointed out that PKR had in the past sacked former Selangor menteri besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim for defying party orders, Fahmi insisted the issue of disciplinary actions against Azmin does not arise at this point in time.

"I think to draw any parallels with previous cases, it might not be exactly the same.

"So case by case should be the approach," he said.

On Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's statement that the Bersatu supreme council today had discussed the issue of a possible cabinet reshuffle, Fahmi said the PKR political bureau tonight did not discuss the issue.

"I believe the leadership will probably have a more detailed discussion during the presidential council meeting on Saturday," he said.

He also said that PKR convention director Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad is expected to issue a statement on the upcoming Sarawak state convention, amid a mounting rebellion against state PKR chief Baru Bian.

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