I don't want Anwar influenced by people who don't understand reformasi - Azmin

PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali tonight said he did not want his president Anwar Ibrahim to be influenced by individuals who do not understand the reformasi struggle.

Azmin (photo) said this in response to questions from journalists who asked if his scathing speech at a PKR dinner tonight was aimed at Anwar.

"I did not make any personal attack. I was explaining to the party members that when the president faced all kinds of tests, I as the deputy president had issued statements to immediately defend the president.

"I have done so for 20 years and stood with the president on sensitive issues. It's just that I don't want him to be influenced by people who do not understand the reformasi struggle," he said.

Azmin's supporters had gathered at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur tonight, the same venue where activists had gathered 20 years ago to form Parti Keadilan Nasional, the predecessor to PKR.

Azmin, in his speech, had said that PKR was not founded by "one man or one family".

He also noted that many in the hall today were long-time activists who were at the same venue 20 years ago and went on to note that notably absent was the party president.

Despite the scathing speech, Azmin maintained that he was prepared for reconciliation with Anwar.

"I am ready and I invite all leaders to work on uniting the party. The experience in the past year has been bitter and painful for all of us.

"So, I would like to encourage leaders and members to come forward and unite the party. If there is such an effort I am prepared to stand with them," he said.

Asked if Azmin was worried that he may be sacked after his speech tonight, Azmin said the matter does not arise and he only wanted to strengthen the party.

Azmin pointed out that he already had a reconciliation meeting with Anwar earlier in the week but claimed the latter did not hold up the end of his bargain.

The economic affairs minister also maintained that he will not set up a new party and will remain in PKR.

"We build this party with the people for 20 years and we will remain in the party.

"It is just when there are problems, we need to talk and find a resolution," he said.

The rift between Anwar and Azmin has widened since the former formally took over the leadership of the party.

Yesterday, Azmin's supporters staged a walkout at the PKR congress in Malacca.

They were upset that Anwar, in his speech, had spoken about a tale of treachery which they took as a veiled attack against Azmin.

They were also upset that the delegates chosen to speak had targeted Azmin.

Azmin's supporters were also absent from the last day of the PKR congress today but turned up in force at the dinner event in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

More than 2,000 people attended the gathering tonight. Organisers put the figure at closer to 5,000 people. - Mkini