The Malaysian Insight

DR Mahathir Mohamad has downplayed speculation that Mohamed Azmin Ali could join his party after the PKR deputy president was spotted last week at the Bersatu anniversary event.

The Bersatu chairman said Azmin has not applied to join the Malay party.

“He has not expressed a desire to join the party but if there is an application we will consider it,” Dr Mahathir said in a press conference after the Putrajaya Boat Race 2019 championship at the Putrajaya Lake Club today.

Azmin’s appearance at Bersatu’s third birthday celebration was grist for the rumour mill, which noted that he has been a no-show at PKR leadership meetings.

The economic affairs minister’s ties with the PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has been strained since the party elections last year.

Dr Mahathir said Azmin’s presence at a Bersatu event was not unexpected as all the leaders of the component parties of Pakatan Harapan were invited.

“We called all prominent leaders. A lot of people came. Xavier was there too,” he said, referring to PKR vice-president Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar. – September 15, 2019.