Dr M says Azmin can meet anyone, sheds light on talks with Umno MPs

Dr Mahathir Mohamad has revealed what Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali told him regarding the latter's meeting with Umno lawmakers, which fueled the political rumour mills.

Speaking at a press conference in Bangi this evening, the prime minister said he questioned Azmin on what was discussed.

“He (Azmin) said these Umno people have 'lost' their party and do not know what to do.

“They (MPs) asked (Azmin) if they should join other parties. Some of them also expressed support for 'Dr Mahathir's' leadership,” he added.

Responding to a question, Mahathir defended the PKR deputy president with regard to the meeting.

“It is his (Azmin's) right to meet anybody.

“If his party disagrees (with him meeting Umno lawmakers), the party should tell him. He is not from my party (Bersatu),” added the Bersatu chairperson.

The meeting, which took place at Azmin's residence in Putrajaya on Monday night, was attended by more than 20 Umno lawmakers, including Hishammuddin Hussein.

Previously, the Pakatan Harapan secretariat accused Hishammuddin of plotting to form a new government without DAP and Amanah, which the former Umno vice-president denied.

'Ministers giving contracts for political support'

Meanwhile, Mahathir also commented on his 30-minute meeting with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya yesterday.

He said Anwar raised the allegation of ministers abusing their powers and dispensing projects in exchange for political support.

Mahathir said while ministers had the right to allocate projects within their respective "areas" (kawasan), they should not do so in other areas.

“There is no need to go to other areas,” he added when asked if the allegation was linked to Azmin's meeting with the Umno lawmakers.

Following the meeting, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he was informed that the discussion was on channeling government projects to the MPs' constituencies.

However, PKR central leadership committee member Kamarudin Jaffar, who was present at the meeting, said the discussion was on the future of the nation, the need for less politicking and more unity, as well as the shared prosperity vision.

Azmin, on the other hand, described it as a normal meeting.

Speculation is rife that despite the agreement that Mahathir would pass the baton to Anwar, the latter's estranged deputy is also vying for the post.

It is also claimed that Azmin is the preferred choice for Mahathir and those in the premier's inner circle. - Mkini