Preacher demands apology or damages over sex abuse claim

PETALING JAYA: Popular preacher Datuk Mohammad Kazim Elias (pic) has demanded an apology or RM8mil in damages from a mother for alleging that his tahfiz school in Ipoh was involved in sexual abuse of students.

In a letter of demand dated Nov 18, Kazim said the Facebook post written by the mother - that there was "a child abuse case in a Maahad Tahfiz upnorth" led by this "famous Ustaz" - hinted at him and his religious school.

Kazim's lawyer insisted that these were hints that his client had established "a sexual abuse centre".

The firm's letter of demand said the posting is untrue, highly defamatory and mala fide.

"You intended to ruin our client's reputation and track record," it said.

It added that the posting had also implied that its client was a paedophile and was "using the madrasah as a tool to attract kids and sexually abuse them".

"The posting also implies that our client threatened the family and tried to cover things up using his political influence," it said.

Confirming this to The Star Online Tuesday, lawyer Firdaus Mohamood said the letter of demand was submitted to the woman by hand Monday and that she has seven days to comply.

Kazim had previously denied any sexual abuse allegations involving his Pusat Pendidikan Al-Barakah tahfiz and lodged several police reports.

It was reported that the parents of a student claimed that their son was sexually abused by other students, and the claim had gone viral on social media.

Police have recorded statements from 10 individuals, including students and staff.

The matter first came to light when social activist Syed Azmi Alhabshi and TV celebrity Wardina Safiyyah shared a posting on their Facebook pages, alleging sexual abuse occurring at a religious school.

However, they never named the school or revealed the individual who headed it.