Even Mahathir has time for party matters, reminds Wan Azizah

Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail today pointed out that even Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad prioritises party matters despite his governmental obligations. 

It is believed that Wan Azizah, the deputy prime minister and PKR advisory council chairperson, was referring to party deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali using his duties as economic affairs minister as an excuse to skip party meetings.

"This is a reminder, even for myself, that there are party matters and official matters.

"The prime minister is a good reference and example. Although he has 22 years of experience as the prime minister, he still allows time for party matters.

"We rise because of the party. So it's good that we strengthen our own party," she told reporters in Shah Alam today.

'Challenges will make us stronger'

Wan Azizah also admitted that PKR is facing disciplinary issues, but noted that it is not as big a challenge as when party president Anwar Ibrahim was behind bars.

"We have a bit of problem with discipline, but we have faced challenges before, especially when our president was in jail.

"There were times when nobody thought that we were going to make it. We were said to be a mosquito party.

"So I think we have grown. I think challenges will come, and that will make us stronger," she said.

Yesterday, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that Azmin has not attended a single party central leadership council (MPP) or political bureau meeting since his re-election as deputy president last November.

Saifuddin added that Azmin never stated the reasons for his absence.

Azmin also opted not to attend the recent PKR retreat in Port Dickson, where he was scheduled to speak.

PKR subsequently issued a reminder to party leaders to attend meetings, as the dates are set months in advance.

"The leaders have been reminded to be present (for the meetings) and prioritise their attendance so that we can, as a party, coordinate on decisions taken," PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil said.

Azmin had told the media that it was normal for elected representatives to be missing from party meetings if they have government duties to fulfil.

"There are party programmes that I attend if I don't have government duties," he had said.

"If I (require a leave) I will inform (the party). This is a normal process. Why am I targeted?" - Mkini