It’s a misunderstanding, says Shahidan

KUALA LUMPUR: Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has said the al­legations that he molested a 15­-­year-­­old girl are all a misun­der­stan­ding.

The former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said he met with a group of buskers as he wanted to hand over some financial assistance.

Shahidan was reading from a prepared text and accompanied by his lawyer Thalia Rohaina Abdul Latiff at a press conference in Parliament.

“One of the buskers and their manager wanted to meet me. After handing over the assistance, I went back home.

“I treat all of the buskers just like my own children and family members,” he told reporters.

Bukit Aman has recorded a statement from Shahidan, who is being investigated for allegedly molesting the teenager inside his car.

According to sources, the girl is a disabled person but it is not immediately clear whether she is suffering from physical or mental disabi­lities.

Perlis police chief Senior Asst Comm Noor Mushar Mohamed said Shahidan went to Bukit Aman on Tuesday and spent a few hours with investigators.

“We will wait for Bukit Aman’s decision on the case. Once they’ve made their decision on the case, we will forward the matter to the deputy public prosecutor,” he said when contacted.

Shahidan, when asked what the conversation was between him and the girl inside his car, said: “It is all in my police report; the police are investigating so I cannot divulge more.”

Pressed whether his driver was there, Shahidan continued “there is a report lodged”.

“Let’s be fair and let the police investigate. Furthermore, the family has retracted the police report but you people re-opened it,” he claimed.

Asked to explain why there was a misunderstanding until the issue went viral on social media, Shahidan replied that he was also asking the same question as the media report was only published after the police report was withdrawn.

“It happened last week, why did the story come up now? I don’t understand why it became viral and where it came from,” he said.

“I don’t take it to heart as both sides have apologised as I understand that the girl’s family members understand.

“I have given my full cooperation to the police and I hope the media will not continue to play up the issue as it will damage the dignity of the girl.

“She has a bright future and should be given protection,” he added.

Asked if he would take legal action against those who played up the issue, Shahidan said he would consult his lawyers.

“I will talk to my lawyers and surely I will not stay quiet,” he added.

It was reported that Shahidan’s statement would be managed by the Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division.

The case has been classified under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

It was learnt that a police report was made recently, alleging that the teenager was molested by the MP but the report was withdrawn by the victim’s family.

Despite the withdrawal, police said investigations would go on, and that any understanding reach­ed between the victim’s family and the suspect was not related to the police.