Xavier calls for truce in Anwar-Azmin tiff

KUALA LUMPUR: PKR vice-president Dr Xavier Jayakumar has called for calm after party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali traded barbs in public over the sex video scandal issue.

"I'm urging all party members to focus on unity and to stop issuing speculative statements that undermine the party in the media.

"What is important is for every elected PKR leader to be together with the Pakatan Harapan government in achieving a stronger economy," he said in a press statement issued on Thursday (July 18).

The Kuala Langat MP regarded the sex video scandal as a worrying development which could undermine the strength of PKR.

Dr Xavier also said PKR had struggled to free Anwar from slander during the former Barisan Nasional administration.

"This was led by Azmin, as well as other leaders. PKR's position today will not be a reality without contribution from these two leaders," he said

Dr Xavier also said he rejected gutter politics, but maintained that he would respect all current laws.

"Investigations regarding the case must be handled by the police," he added.

On Wednesday (July 17), Anwar said Azmin should resign if he was conclusively identified as one of the two men in a viral sex video.

Azmin, in response, said Anwar should do some self-reflection and "look at the man in the mirror".

Anwar's remarks prompted a statement signed by a group of PKR leaders saying that he should have not called for Azmin's resignation.

However, Anwar said some of those who signed likely misunderstood his statement.