Azmin: It was a normal meeting, can't remember who asked for it

Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali downplayed his meeting with more than 20 Umno lawmakers at his residence in Putrajaya last night.

The PKR deputy president said there was nothing extraordinary about the meeting.

Azmin also could not recall who initiated the meeting, which had set tongues wagging.

“I don't remember who asked (for the meeting). Whoever asks, I meet (them).

“Just like this, when the media asks, no insists, I meet (the media). No problem,” he added when met in Parliament this afternoon.

Below is the transcript of the questions from reporters and Azmin's answers:

Reporter: Do you want to say something Datuk Seri, because there were a lot of rumours and even (PKR president) Anwar Ibrahim urged you to attend the political bureau meeting tomorrow.

Azmin: Don't listen to rumours.

Reporter: The meeting last night...

Azmin: Which one? I’ve got so many meetings.

Reporter: The meeting at your house last night with all the BN MPs.

Azmin: MPs ah? Oh...

Reporter: Yes, a lot of people are asking what the meeting was about.

Azmin: You should ask them, why must you ask me?

Reporter: Because the meeting was at your house.

Azmin: I meet 'semua' (everyone)

Reporter: Yesterday's meeting...

Azmin: Yesterday? Which one? Morning, evening, afternoon...

Reporter: The meeting in Putrajaya at night..

Azmin: That was a normal meeting. Nothing extraordinary... I take an open approach, whoever wants to meet me, I meet with them. I meet with the people, the business community, MPs whether from PH (Pakatan Harapan) or not from PH.

Because it is important for a government which is concerned about the people to obtain feedback from the people, from the business community on the acceptance of government policies.

This is not something extraordinary, which is to be made into a big issue. I meet with various quarters daily.

Reporter: Will there be other meetings of such nature?

Azmin: Everyday. I have many meetings everyday from early morning till late hours. But different people, different groups, there are politicians, MPs, business leaders, foreign investors. That is the job of the ministry. I have to meet people.

Earlier, Anwar demanded an explanation from Azmin regarding the meeting, saying it had raised concerns.

Whereas, the Umno disciplinary committee is also investigating the presence of party lawmakers at the meeting.

However, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi later claimed that his MPs discussed channeling government projects for their constituencies with Azmin.

Former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussin, who was one of the attendees, denied orchestrating the meeting.

Previously, the Harapan secretariat had accused Hishammuddin of wanting to form a government without DAP and Amanah, which he had denied.

Last night's meeting came in the wake of Harapan's massive defeat in the Tanjung Piai by-election in Johor which has seen pressure mounting on Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

This morning, Mahathir said he was in the dark as to what was discussed between Azmin and the MPs. - Mkini