Rabble-rouser Ahmad surprisingly silent at Terengganu state assembly

Men at odds: Mentri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman acknowledging a group of supporters outside the assembly hall in Wisma Darul Iman, Kuala Terengganu. (right) Former mentri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said waving to newsmen as he enters the assembly hall. — ZABIDI TUSIN/The Star 

KUALA TERENGGANU: The much-­awaited State Legislative Assembly sitting, billed as a “clash of the titans”, fizzled out even before members could warm their seats.

All eyes were on chief rabble-rou­ser Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, the Kijal assemblyman who was expected to cause a stir yesterday after weeks of mounting tension with Mentri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman.

Alas, the self-proclaimed “Tiger” surprised even his supporters as he slipped out to his car after the morning break at about 11am.

Ahmad sat in for the first half of the sitting, which started at 9.30am with Speaker Datuk Mohd Zubir Embong delivering his opening speech, after which a break was called at 10.45am.

The sole assemblyman absent was PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang. The Rhu Rendang assemblyman is said to be in Turkey attending an official event.

Before he made his exit, Ahmad was mobbed by media members who wanted answers on the political crisis.

Even then, there were very few words from the former mentri besar who fell out of favour following the last general election.

Ahmad seemed resigned to his fate when he replied: “I don’t see any agenda. What can I do if I am alone?”

Asked if he had any plans to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, he said he would leave it to the latter.

To a battery of other questions, his answer was standard: “I don’t know.”

After the assembly adjourned at 12.45pm, Ahmad Razif told a press conference that the situation was fully under control and called for an end to the political turmoil in the state.

He said the priority was for all assemblymen to carry out their tasks as entrusted by the people.

Ahmad Razif said there might have been a “little misunderstanding” which led to the spat.

“Anyway, I don’t see any issue to it as we are all family in Umno. The spirit of Umno members are different. Everything is settled.

“We also believe his (Ahmad’s) mind and soul is with Umno and anything he does will be for the party.

“What we will do now is to be more prepared for the coming general election,” he said.

Earlier in the morning, security was tight at Wisma Darul Iman with scanning carried out at the entrance of the assembly for the first time.

A group carried banners expressing support for Ahmad Razif.