Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's name surfaced during the debates on the controversy-ridden Scomi Group Bhd, owned by the prime minister's son Kamaluddin Abdullah.

When debating on the Budget 2007 in the Dewan Rakyat today, Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang raised the question of conflict of interest between those in office and their children's businesses.

He questioned Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's statement that Scomi - an oil and gas services company - does not have business interest locally.

Salahuddin said Scomi has indicated interest in bidding for the monorail project in Penang.

At this juncture, Mohd Alwi Che Ahmad (BN-Ketereh) said: "Do you know Nik Aziz's son, who was unemployed, was given a job in a state government agency when Nik Aziz was chairing the agency as menteri besar."

Mohd Alwi also said that Kelantan state government executive councillor and PAS vice-president Husam Musa allegedly appointed a relative as an engineer in another state government agency.

Responding, Salahuddin, who is also PAS Youth chief, said: "I don't agree with my leaders all the time as I am taught to speak the truth. If what you claim is true, the menteri besar has always said he welcomes the Anti-Corruption Agency to probe anything that flouts the law."

Pisang goreng?

At this point, Ahmad Zainuddin Omar (BN-Larut) asked why the opposition liked harping on the Scomi issue.

He said Abdullah has stated that he would reveal more about his son's business when he gathers the necessary information.

"Are you expecting the prime minister's son not to do any business? Do you want to see the prime minister's son selling pisang goreng (banana fritters) or be a beggar?

"If that happens, the opposition will then criticise the prime minister's son for not being a role model," he added.

Salahuddin replied: "He (Kamaluddin) can do business as it is a blessing from God but bear in mind that God also prohibits us from doing business through haram (illegal) means."

Nuclear weapons

Later, Lim Hock Seng (DAP-Bagan) asked Salahuddin if he knew the latest developments concerning the arrest of five people in Japan allegedly linked to a Scomi subsidiary.

The five were arrested on suspicion of exporting equipments to a Malaysian recipient, alleged to be Scomi's subsidiary, that could be used to produce nuclear weapons.

Salahuddin said although the Malaysian government's policy does not allow for the production of nuclear weapons, there is no harm in knowing the technique.

Following this, Mohd Alwi stunned the House again by saying it would be good if Scomi is capable of building nuclear weapons.

"If Scomi is capable of producing nuclear weapons, as a Muslim, I will be very happy because this will strengthen the arsenal in Muslim countries and others will be afraid.

"Although international laws do not allow this, it can serve as a good deterrent," he added.