Haziq told me he was used as political pawn to bring down Azmin, claims Hilman

PETALING JAYA: Muhammad Hilman Idham (pic) claims that Haziq Abdullah Abdul Aziz told him he was being used as a pawn to bring down Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.

The minister's political secretary admitted that he met Haziq at the Zest Restaurant in Marriot Putrajaya on June 11, before the sex videos were leaked, but declined to reveal details of the meeting.

Muhammad Hilman released a statement to counter Haziq's claim that attempts were made to force him to deny it was Azmin in the video.

"In the meeting, Haziq told me that he had become a victim of a dirty political game to bring down Azmin.

"He also said the video was fake and denied being in the video," Hilman said on Thursday (June 13).

Muhammad Hilman, who is also Gombak Setia assemblyman, said Haziq asked him if he should informing his parents about the issue.

"I agreed (that he should speak to his parents) and told him to be patient.

"In fact, I advised him that in these accusations, the family is the most important element and he has to maintain his family's feelings and dignity," he added.

Hilman lodged a police report at the Putrajaya district police headquarters on Friday (June 14) claiming that Haziq filed a false report, which he said was a criminal accusation.