A heated argument erupted in the Kedah state assembly today over questions posed on the extent of the sultan's jurisdiction in Islamic matters, resulting in the questions being eventually withdrawn.

It started with the leader of the opposition Mahdzir Khalid (BN-Pedu), asking for the withdrawal of two written questions of Mohd Nasir Mustafa (PAS-Kubang Rotan) which needed oral answers.

One question asked to state the extent to which the sultan's jurisdiction as the head of Islam in the state was respected by the federal government, and the other, to state the extent of non-interference by the state government in the administration of Islamic affairs.

Mahdzir said that during the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration of Kedah, questions pertaining to the sultan's jurisdiction were never raised in the state assembly and the sultan's authority was never questioned.

Mahdzir's explanation was apparently misunderstood and an argument took place between the government and opposition elected representatives, with voices raised at times.

Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak (PAS-Sungai Limau), who defended the state government's stand, said the matter was raised to get clarification on the jurisdiction of the Sultan of Kedah in Islamic matters.

Finally, Speaker Abdul Isa Ismail decided to have the questions withdrawn after Suraya Yaacob (BN-Sungai Tiang) questioned the motive of the questions and explained that the sultan's jurisdiction in the matter was enshrined in the state constitution.

Abdul Isa acknowledged that he could have overlooked the matter.

Earlier, Bukit Lada state assemblyman Ahmad Izzat Ahmas Shauki was elected deputy speaker after Azizan proposed his name and Phahrolrazi Zawawi (PAS-Pengkalan Kundor) seconded the motion.

Speaking to reporters outside the assembly later, Azizan said he agreed with the speaker's decision to withdraw the questions while Mahdzir said the matter reflected the weakness of the PAS-led state government.

- Bernama