PKR in the dark about Azmin’s ‘dinner meeting’ with MPs

(FMT) – A dinner hosted by PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali for some 30 MPs including from Barisan Nasional (BN) last night has ruffled feathers in the PKR leadership, with the party’s influential political bureau set to discuss the issue during its weekly meeting tomorrow.

PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil said the party had no details about what took place at the gathering, amid speculation that Azmin was consolidating support from MPs to thwart attempts to force the resignation of Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister in the wake of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) dismal performance in the Tanjung Piai by-election.

“I have read the news reports saying so, but at this time the party has not received any official information. I believe when the political bureau meets tomorrow we will definitely discuss the matter,” he said.

Yesterday, FMT reported that at least two dozen MPs including Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein, who last month denied working to form a “back-door” government without key PH partners, had attended a meeting at Azmin’s official residence in Putrajaya.

Fahmi said the party hopes to get more details on the meeting.

“I believe the leadership has many question marks and this can be broken down and explained when we have our political bureau meeting tomorrow night.”

Azmin has reportedly snubbed PKR meetings, in what is seen as part of a continuing rift between him and party boss Anwar Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, in Penang, PKR vice-president Xavier Jayakumar said he had no knowledge of the meeting but that the PH leadership must be informed of such meetings with MPs from the opposition.

“I was not told about the meeting. Anyone from PH planning to have discussion or meetings with anyone must inform the presidential council because it is where all things are decided.

“We hope in future the (presidential) council will be informed first,” said Xavier.