PM to attend event by Azmin-linked NGOs

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is expected to attend a congress on Saturday that is being organised by NGOs linked to International Trade and Industry Minister Mohd Azmin Ali.

This was confirmed by Nations of Women (NOW) information chief Syarul Ema Rena Abu Samah who told Malaysiakini when contacted today that the prime minister would also deliver a speech at the event dubbed “Kongres Negara” (National Congress).

The event is being organised by the NGOs Pemuda Negara, NOW and Penggerak Komuniti Negara all which are led by ex-PKR leaders close to Azmin.

Malaysiakini has contacted the Prime Minister’s Office for more information but has yet to receive a reply.

Earlier today, the event's organising secretariat chief Muhammad Hilman Idham had revealed that political leaders who will attend the event were Azmin, Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin and Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah.

He did not mention Muhyiddin’s attendance although the prime minister’s portrait has been featured on some promotional material for the event.

The congress is to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur and will gather delegates and observers nationwide from all three NGOs.

“The main objective of Kongres Negara is to strengthen the people’s unity and solidarity based on the principles of the Rukun Negara.

“Kongres Negara will also articulate and debate efforts to develop the nation (bangsa), economy and country, in addition to ensuring welfare and Perikatan Nasional policies that have been implemented to ensure the people’s harmony and the country’s prosperity,” Hilman said in a statement today.

He said the event was being held in conjunction with Merdeka Day celebrations throughout the month.

For the record, Zuraida and Saifuddin were among the ex-PKR leaders who defected from PKR during the events leading up to the "Sheraton Move" in late-February which triggered the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan-led administration.

Hilman, who is Azmin’s political secretary, was sacked from the party soon after.

Since then, several NGOs have been set up by ex-PKR leaders seen to be close to Azmin’s faction.

Azmin has downplayed speculation that the NGOs would serve as a foundation for a new party but NOW president Haniza Talha, meanwhile, said NOW planned to contest in elections. - Mkini