In a joint statement, the group led by deputy youth chief Muhammad Hilman Idham said the alleged move by Saifuddin Nasution gave the impression that the party was fraught with crises.

They also said the decision was against the spirit of the congress and that of the party.

“It sends the wrong message and sets a bad example for the new generation in the party, unless the secretary-general wants the party to continue to be divided,” they said.

The statement was signed by 21 of the 25 PKR Youth central leaders, including vice chiefs Mohd Nazree Yunus and S Jestin Raj.

This comes amid speculation that the youth wing did not want Azmin, the party’s deputy president, to open its national congress this year as its members felt that he often made statements that contradict PKR’s stand.

Traditionally, the party’s deputy president is invited to open the national conventions of the party’s youth and women’s wings.

Earlier this month, Azmin said Saifuddin should address the matter.