Muhammad Nedim Nazri, who was previously in the spotlight over an assault incident involving a security guard, seems to be courting controversy again, this time at his father's ministry.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture website, Nedim is "special officer" at the ministry, now helmed by his father Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz, raising questions of "nepotism and cronyism".

NONEHe is listed on the website as "Nedim bin Nazri Aziz", but the page does not specify what his responsibilities are as "special officer".

When contacted, Nazri's press secretary said that the minister does not want to respond to the matter.

The issue was first raised by seemingly pro-establishment blogger Cucu Tok Selampit, who said that the issue could turn off "supporters of the government".

"How can supporters of the government defend their leaders if they keep practising nepotism and cronyism?

"We cannot talk about (Pakatan Rakyat leaders) Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh and Nik Aziz (Nik Mat) etc. who promote their children if Umno/BN leaders do so themselves," said the blogger.


Free trips?
 

The blogger raised concerns that Nedim would benefit from free trips, due to his father's portfolio, and questioned why he even needed the job as he is supposed to be "flushed with wealth, inheritance and is running the family business".

Nedim was last year also linked to controversial figure Michael Chia, as the luxury car Nedim was driving is registered to Chia.

Mohamad Nedim Mohd Nazri AzizChia and Sabah Umno leaders were reportedly investigated for graft involving RM40 million, but were all cleared.

Nedim was also let off the hook over the case where his bodyguards allegedly assaulted a condominium security guard.

"The case has been resolved amicably by both parties," then Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said in a written reply in Parliament.

He was also asked on the assault case and on the death of law student Darren Kang at Uncle Don's restaurant in 2004.

On the latter case, Hishammuddin said that Nedim was not involved in the death and that five Thai nationals were found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to five years' imprisonment.-malaysiakini