Anti-climax! According to national news agency Bernama , this is the best phrase to describe the presence of International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz in the Dewan Rakyat today.

"If there were those who hoped that her presence would invite a commotion, they would definitely be disappointed with what had transpired," read the report.

The minister had become a 'hot item' due to the Approved Permits (AP) scandal and she became the target of severe criticisms in the House when her ministry unveiled a list of parliamentarians who received the permits.

After a long absence, she was present in the House this morning and many expected fireworks.

However, this was not the case.

The minister took about 45 minutes to answer six questions on the AP and left, much to the displeasure of Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang.

The 'missing princess'

The first question came from Wan Hashim Wan Teh (BN-Grik), who rendered a short poem.

'Kami ibarat pungguk rindukan bulan

Yang Berhormat menteri sebagai Permaisuri Lindungan Bulan

Apabila bulan mengambang, dia bersembunyi di balik awan

Maka gelaplah malam. Izinkan Grik kemukakan soalan'

This received a resounding applause from the other Parliamentarians and even made Rafidah smile.

"Thank you for the welcome," she said.

"Actually this 'permaisuri' (princess) could not attend the Dewan Rakyat sitting for the first three days because I was on duty in the United States.

"There were two parliamentarians with me. This must be explained. I did not run. I was on duty on matters approved by the Cabinet," she added.

Apart from Wan Hashim's question, Rafidah also addressed questions from Lim, Tiong King Sing (BN-Bintulu), Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar (BN-Larut) and Mohd Said Yusof (BN-Jasin).

After the question and answer session ended, Rafidah began to walk out and Lim voiced his objection.

"Look, the minister is leaving the House because she knows I want to talk on that issue. But she is running out. I am asking her to come back and listen to what the parliamentarians have to say," he said.

However, Rafidah kept on walking towards the exit and left the Parliament building.