PUTRAJAYA, Sept 15 — Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has downplayed the presence of PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali at Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s third anniversary event recently.

The Bersatu chairman said his party had sent invitations to many prominent leaders of the Pakatan Harapan coalition and the economic affairs minister’s appearance was nothing special.

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

However, Azmin was the sole PH representative during the prayer and Yasin recitation event — the lone figure wearing a grey Baju Melayu among the sea of red.

When asked if there is any possibility of Azmin joining his party, Dr Mahathir explained no application has even been made.

"He has not expressed any desire to join Bersatu. He also has not made any application. But if there is an application, we will consider it,” said Dr Mahathir, referring to Azmin.

Azmin’s appearance at the Bersatu event set tongues wagging as he has reportedly been absent from multiple PKR meetings.

This comes amid purported rift between Azmin and party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, that both have repeatedly denied.