MoH blames last-minute question reshuffle on deputy minister's absence in Dewan Rakyat

In Kuala Lumpur, the Health Ministry has apologized for a last-minute change in the question order that prevented Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib from answering a member of parliament's query in the Dewan Rakyat. Both Hanifah and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad were absent from the proceedings, leading to criticism from opposition MPs.

The Health Ministry explained that Hanifah was already in parliament discussing final details with officials, but the arrival of Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad (PN-Kepala Batas) caused the next question to be postponed, resulting in Hanifah's absence. The sudden shift in proceedings was the primary reason for her late entry. The ministry acknowledged that Dr Dzulkefly was attending an official event in Melaka related to the construction of a Women and Children's Block at Melaka Hospital.

Opposition MPs, including Kota Baru MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, condemned the government's failure to have both ministers present in the chamber, describing it as an insult to the Dewan Rakyat and an embarrassment to the government.