Azmin: I thought we believed in freedom of speech?

PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali has asked whether there is a double standard after the party's disciplinary board warned members against making "baseless" accusations against the PKR leadership.

This is over a series of sex videos implicating Azmin, which the economic affairs minister has described as character assassination intended to destroy his political career.

"Well, I thought we believed in democracy, freedom of speech. Why is there conduct that appears like double standards?

"We should allow the whole process to take place in the party, in the government - but certainly we will not condone this gutter politics and slander.

“You want to express your concerns, you are free to do so but it must be based on facts," he told journalists in Seri Kembangan tonight.

Azmin was asked about the PKR disciplinary board asking members to air their views through proper channels.

Yesterday, the disciplinary board announced it will issue a show-cause letter against Santubong PKR Youth chief Haziq Abdullah Abdul Aziz, who admitted to being one of two men in the sex videos and alleged that Azmin was his partner. It also noted Azmin's denial.

"The disciplinary board also strongly warns all members not to make statements without basis and facts against the party leadership," it had said.

The warning came amid speculation that Anwar, who is seen to be having increasing differences with Azmin, and his supporters were involved in disseminating the videos.

Azmin said he is heartened by the support he has received and that it was a sign that the people rejected gutter politics.

"This is a positive development that gives me the strength to press on with the struggle," he said. - Mkini