ECONOMIC affairs minister Azmin Ali should suspend his official duties and go on leave from until the investigation into a viral sex clip implicating him and another man are complete, said Idris Ahmad, chairman of reform group Otai Reformasi, today.

Idris said the group is proposing that Azmin be given a “break” from his official duties to allow the police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the video, which was released on Tuesday.

“This is also to preserve the good name of the Pakatan Harapan government in Putrajaya,” he told reporters at a press conference today.

Idris also questioned prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s views disputing the authenticity of the clip before authorities had even started their probe.

“Dr Mahathir’s reaction is very different from 1998 when Anwar (Ibrahim) was fired and punished before any police investigation or court ruling, but in 2019 his statement is very different,” he said.

“Otai hopes that Dr Mahathir is not practicing double standards and being partial in judging the issue of the video.”

The clip purportedly shows Azmin and Santubong PKR Youth chief Muhammad Haziq Abdul Aziz engaged in sexual acts.

Azmin has since slammed the clip as a plot to end his political career.

Otai Reformasi is officially a non-political movement formed by concerned citizens in 1998 to push for institutional reforms after Anwar was sacked as deputy prime minister, but the grouping is known for being pro-Anwar.

It now also comprises members of political parties such as PKR, DAP, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Parti Amanah Negara. – June 14, 2019.