'Azmin's absence discussed, but not focus of PKR politburo meeting'

PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali's continued absence was discussed at the party's political bureau meeting tonight, according to communications director Fahmi Fadzil, but was not the focus of the discussion.

"For now, there is a reminder to the leadership that party meeting is the best space to attend and hold discussions, and that space is still available.

"The meeting schedules have already been distributed and sent to all leaders," he told a press conference at the PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya today.

Azmin's absence comes just a day after PKR president Anwar Ibrahim issued him a stern reminder to attend party meetings. 

Meanwhile, Fahmi reminded party leaders to provide reasons if they are unable to attend party meetings.

When asked if Azmin or vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin (photo) – who was also not in attendance – had done so, Fahmi said he was not informed of this and that the matter was not brought up at the meeting.

To a question on how long the party would tolerate absenteeism before taking action, he again stressed that it was not discussed.

On Aug 25, Anwar said that Azmin, who has consistently skipped PKR political bureau and central leadership committee meetings, is not immune to disciplinary action.

The PKR disciplinary committee said on Aug 21 that it did not issue reminders to Azmin regarding his absence, since the matter is under the jurisdiction of secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

When approached by reporters today, however, Saifuddin declined to comment.

Zuraida previously said that she would continue to be absent because her letter to Anwar on a reconciliatory meeting has yet to be replied. - Mkini