Terengganu exco surrenders to cops after receiving Raya house guest

Terengganu state executive councillor (agriculture, agro-based industry, and rural development) Dr Azman Ibrahim has presented himself to the police after violating Hari Raya Aidilfitri standard operating procedure (SOP) by receiving a house guest.

In a Facebook post today, he said he gave his statement at the Besut district police station.

He said he also received an "offer letter" to be compounded for the offence.

“Elected representatives should be penalised as per ordinary rakyat with the same compound quantum, which God-willing will be settled as soon as possible.

“No one is above the law,” he wrote.

In a separate Facebook post, he admitted to having a neighbour over at his house on the first day of Hari Raya yesterday.

Raya house visitations are not permitted under the SOP as an infection-control measure.

“I am sorry to all parties who have been involved in this issue,” he said.

Yesterday, the PAS Jabi assemblyperson denied holding a Hari Raya open house, which is also prohibited under the SOPs.

Azman said it was “unreasonable” to reject house guests during the festive season.

“Here is my dilemma as a ‘kuli’ (labourer) to the rakyat. It is unreasonable to close the door and lock up and tell the rakyat to go home and stop Raya visitations, as the rakyat usually come to my house on other days during the movement control order (MCO).

“It is also unreasonable to not serve nearby rakyat to come to my house, even if it is just a glass of water. It is Raya season so there will be one or two ketupat, but not a table full of food,” he said.

Azman was criticised after one of his house guests posted a photograph of him and the politician at the latter’s home to Facebook.