His explanation comes after opposition members questioned the PKR secretary-general’s whereabouts, leading to a raucous debate this morning in the assembly.

Saifuddin told FMT today he had informed the chief minister before taking leave for an urgent medical check-up.

“I was there on the first day of the tabling of the 2021 state budget (on Monday). I told the chief minister that I would be going to KL in the evening that day.

“I had an appointment with Pantai Hospital for a health check-up and, at the same time, a Covid-19 test. I tested negative, thank God.

“I thank Afif and Zulkifli for raising this issue which I take with an open heart,” Saifuddin, who is also Kulim-Bandar Baharu MP, said.

Earlier today, PPBM assemblymen Dr Afif Bahardin and Zulkifli Ibrahim questioned Saifuddin’s absence, asking if the state assembly had been informed.

After the speaker said he was not aware of Saifuddin’s movements, both men criticised the PKR man for “insulting” the House by not being present.

Speaker Law Choo Kiang then said assemblymen were not obliged to be in the house all the time but would have to give notice to the assembly clerk, especially if they were going to be away for a long time.