Azmin to check schedule if free to attend politburo meet tomorrow

Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali will have to check his schedule to determine if he is free to attend PKR's political bureau meeting tomorrow.

This is after PKR communications chief Fahmi Fadzil asked all leaders to attend to get the full details of Azmin's meeting with Umno lawmakers at the latter's residence in Putrajaya last night.

Earlier, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, when responding to a question, said Azmin, as party deputy president, should be present at the meeting.

Met in Parliament this afternoon, Azmin said he would need to check if there are official events for him to attend.

“If there is a need, I will explain (the meeting with Umno MPs).

“I will check my schedule. Normally if I have no official duties, I attend party meetings,” he added.

Responding to a question, Azmin said he could not recall the number of times he had missed party meetings.

“Too much work. But I have all the records. If I am in the country and have no official government duties, I attend party programmes.

“But if there are government matters, it is my responsibility (to attend to them), whether overseas trips. It is important,” he added.

Since his re-election as PKR deputy president, Azmin had been absent from political bureau meetings, central leadership council meetings and retreats.

Emphasising the importance of his ministerial role, Azmin said there is a need to introduce the fledgling Pakatan Harapan government to those in Malaysia and abroad.

“Look at Tanjung Piai (by-election), many are yet to understand what is the Harapan government about and have placed hope in us to do our job to the best of our abilities.

“And when the perception is not good, the people punish us. So while party programmes are important, so are national programmes,” he added.

Last Saturday's by-election in Johor saw MCA candidate Wee Jeck Seng demolishing Harapan's Karmaine Sardini with a majority of more than 15,000 votes.

Meanwhile, Azmin, when quizzed on his meeting with PKR MPs in Parliament this afternoon, replied: “You get upset when I meet Umno MPs, you get upset when I meet PKR MPs. I don't know who to meet. Can I meet the press?”

Earlier, the minister downplayed his meeting with the Umno lawmakers.

“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,” he added. - Mkini