KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — Istana Negara appears to have subtly settled the on-going tiff between Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and the wife of an ex-minister over the natural resources, environment and climate change minister bringing his children to the Palace for its Aidilfitri open house.
Without mentioning the spat, the Istana Negara Facebook page posted a statement that the presence of family members of distinguished guests livened the Istana Negara Hari Raya gathering yesterday.
The Aidilfitri reception was hosted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
In the post, Istana Negara said the King and Queen were pleased to invite respected guests, including cabinet members, to attend the event with their families.
“The attendance of guests’ family members made the gathering even more exuberant. Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah were also delighted to exchange greetings with guests and their families.”
Nik Nazmi had posted on Instagram and picture of himself, his wife and his children, prompting Norlin Shamsul Bahri, the wife of ex-minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, who is a Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia member, to take a swipe at him.
“You brought your children to Istana Negara for an official function. Don’t you know protocol Mr Minister?”
Nik Nazmi, however, replied that the invitation was for him, his wife, children and grandchildren.
“I don’t have grandchildren, so I brought my wife and children,” he said.
Netizens were quick to defend Nik Nazmi and even pointed out that there were lots of pictures of other children at the palace.
