Beruas Umno chief Azhar Ahmad has denied claims that he slapped the late PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s grandson during a university programme in Janda Baik, Pahang, last month.
Azhar (above) insisted that allegations regarding the incident during a programme organised by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) are a form of malicious slander against him.
Stressing that he had no reason to act in such a manner, the former senator vehemently denied the claims made by the 23-year-old student, Nik Alif Aiman Abdul Ariffahmi.
“(Nik Alif) is very friendly with me. What reason do I have to slap him? Dozens of witnesses were in the hall - I was very friendly and loved him like my own son.
“The word ‘slapping’ is damnable,” Azhar told Malaysiakini last night.
He further urged the public to verify details regarding the incident, asserting that several UiTM top leaders and student representative members were also present during the supposed altercation.
Affirming that he will be monitoring the situation to determine certain quarters’ “true agenda”, Azhar added that he has lodged a police report on the matter.
In a statement today, the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris board member reiterated that he had merely “touched” Nik Alif’s cheek as a “friendly gesture” due to his familiarity with the youth’s family.
Azhar also said he reserves his rights to take legal action against any quarters who publish or spread false statements which could affect his reputation.
Family’s dignity
Previously, Nik Alif claimed he was slapped by a former senator on May 20 at the sidelines of an event on strengthening the “ummah”.
The student leader said when invited VIPs and participants were mingling in a dining hall, he had greeted a man with a “Datuk” title and introduced himself as the grandson of Nik Aziz, who was also a former Kelantan menteri besar and the PAS spiritual leader.
“After the matter was informed, a conversation related to PAS took place, and the individual issued statements critical of PAS.
“Not long after, he suddenly slapped my left cheek with his right hand. The slap did not leave an obvious physical injury, but was hard enough to cause my head to move to the right due to the impact,” Nik Alif said.
He added that he had not retaliated against the move as he respected the individual as an older person.
“I just said ‘no comment, Datuk’ when he was talking about PAS. Since it was a UiTM-organised event, I did not want to make the situation tense to protect UiTM’s name.
“I am the type that can accept differing opinions, but I cannot accept how he slapped me (as) it affected my family’s dignity as the heir to (Nik Aziz), who was a religious icon and respected leader,” he said.
The student noted that as a sign of protest, he had declined the former senator’s invitation for them to eat together after the incident.
“This incident has made me feel humiliated, embarrassed, and emotionally affected because it happened in public.
“I also feel that my dignity and that of my family have been tarnished as a result of the incident,” Nik Alif said.
Following the incident, Nik Alif lodged a report at the Kota Bharu district police headquarters on May 30, urging authorities to take statements from witnesses and implement other steps according to the law.
He said the report to the police was also made because he felt the need to defend the dignity of Nik Aziz’s family from being insulted or having their honour degraded.
Kota Bharu police chief Azmir Damiri has since confirmed receiving the report, adding that the Bentong police will investigate. - Mkini
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