Kuala Lampur, June 20 -- Picture by Firdaus Latif

PUTRAJAYA, June 20 -- Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today there is no need for Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali to go on leave despite investigations into the latter's alleged sex video scandal, calling the matter a political ploy against the Economic Affairs Minister.

Speaking to reporters today, Dr Mahathir said that leave of absence is only needed if anyone in the government is accused of wrongdoings or crimes, which questions their integrity.

Dr Mahathir said that Azmin's matter however, does not fall under the said categories, adding that the former Selangor mentri besar would also not hamper current investigations into the scandal.

"Why? They can continue, he is not goi...