SEREMBAN: A heated argument took place on the third day of the Negri Sembilan 14th state legislative assembly when three Barisan Nasional assemblymen questioned why state executive council member Mohamad Nazaruddin Sabtu did not answer a question posed by the opposition.
They took the Pilah assemblyman to task for not answering a question about culture and customs in Negri Sembilan when he is the state Arts, Culture and Malay Customs Committee chairman.
This was after Datuk Abd Razak Ab Said (BN-Gemas) had sought an explanation on the state government’s allocation to strengthen culture and customs in Negri Sembilan.
Eyebrows were raised when Mohamad Taufek Abd Ghani (PH-Paroi), who is state Youth and Sports Development Committee chairman, stood up and delivered the answer.
Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Gemencheh) then questioned why Nazarudin did not answer the question which is related to his portfolio.
His sentiment was echoed by Datuk Ismail Lasim (BN-Juasseh) and Noor Azmi Yusuf (BN-Pertang).
Sparks then began to fly as BN and Pakatan Harapan assemblymen exchanged words until Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun stepped in to calm down the situation.
“It’s nothing unusual for Taufek to answer the question on behalf of another exco member since it is related to his portfolio. It used to be a normal practice during the BN administration, so it shouldn’t be a problem now,” he said.
Rumours about Nazaruddin’s health had been making its rounds since last year, sparking speculation that he would resign from his post.
His special officer Aminuddin Mohamed Yunus had previously said that Nazaruddin had fallen ill after the May 9 general election and his condition had worsened after Hari Raya.