Some issues need to be stated publicly, says Azmin

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali today defended his statement on the recent party appointments by its president, saying that some issues need to be stated publicly.

He said the statement also did not mean that he had ignored the proper party channel to air his grouses, stressing that he had met president Anwar Ibrahim to discuss the matter before going public.

"We always discuss everything. So for me, there is no problem.

"As you know, I seldom make political statements, what more written statements, so the moment I issue one, there is a problem.

"But that does not mean I did not follow the party channel. Before I issue the public statement, I have discussed it with the party president.

"I have held a series of meeting with my president, and I will continue to do so... to meet my president, meet my leaders to discuss party issues.

"But there are times that we need to make public statements," he told reporters at an event in Semenyih.

Azmin, who is the economic affairs minister, said he issued the statement as it was his duty to highlight the aspirations of party members.

"It is my duty as the deputy president to fulfil the aspirations of party members. I will continue to talk whether inside or outside the party (channels)."

Political talks

Meanwhile, asked on claims from within PKR that there are moves to stop Anwar from becoming the next prime minister, Azmin said he was not in the know of such thing.

Reiterating what had earlier been said by other Pakatan Harapan leaders - that the ruling coalition is sticking to their pre-general election agreement - Azmin also urged all (leaders) to stop such political talks.

He stressed that the Harapan government today needs to focus on rebuilding the country's economy instead of politicking.

"Our focus should be on building the country, improving the economic situation, easing the cost of living and making sure that the people get the best service.

"This is the responsibility of the government today, and this is what is being done by the prime minister and the cabinet.

"We must focus on building the nation and stop such political talks. We had just finished with the 14th general election, and this is the first time in 61 years that all Malaysians, irrespective of race and religion, decided to change the government.

"That's why we have the responsibility to respect the people's choice and fulfil their aspirations. Why they wanted change? Not to see us fight in politics. Stop. People are sick and tired when the political leaders keep on talking about politics." - Mkini