In a statement, he said all decisions regarding the event had been made in a PKR Youth council meeting on Oct 20.

“I would like to remind everyone that efforts to strengthen consensus and unity in our struggle should begin with everyone respecting the party’s leadership, the constitutions and party decisions,” he said.

His remarks came shortly after a joint statement issued by 21 of the youth wing’s 25 central leaders criticising PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution for allegedly withdrawing Azmin’s invitation to officiate the congress.

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

The group, led by deputy youth chief Muhammad Hilman Idham, said the move 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.

However, Akmal said all statements by the wing leaders should be made through the correct channels.

“It would have been more appropriate for PKR Youth leaders to follow the existing channels before making any open statements that are inaccurate,” he added.