IPOH: Senator Datuk Azhar Ahmad has denied allegations of slapping the grandson of the late Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat during a programme at the Institut Latihan Memperkasa Ummah (Ilmu) in Janda Baik.
Ahmad said the incident on May 20 was misinterpreted as the viral video clip did not show the full context of the situation.
The incident occurred in a friendly atmosphere after he completed a lecture for a student leadership empowerment programme by the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) student affairs department, he said.
"I was introduced to the student. In a very friendly manner, I shook hands and merely touched his cheek as a gesture of warmth," Ahmad said in a statement.
He added that there was no slapping or harsh behaviour as alleged.
The student previously lodged a police report at the Kota Baru district police headquarters on Saturday (May 29) to allow further investigations and to obtain statements from witnesses.
The student claimed that the incident caused him to feel insulted, embarrassed, and emotionally affected as it happened in front of a crowd.
Speaking to Sinar Harian, Ahmad, who is also the Beruas Umno division chief, said he highly respects the family of the late Nik Aziz despite their political differences.
"I was actually excited when informed that the student is related to the family of the late Nik Aziz," he said.
Ahmad explained that he held and patted the student's cheek slightly when shaking hands, adding that it was his usual manner and not a slap.
He believed the confusion arose when information was conveyed to other parties without the actual picture before going viral on social media.
Following the incident, Ahmad lodged a police report for self-protection and is considering legal action against those who spread the slander.
"I only realised the matter after seeing the viral video on TikTok. I lodged a police report today to protect myself," he said.
He added that while he accepts criticism, this matter went too far and damaged his reputation, prompting him to take legal action.
