KOTA BHARU – The grandson of former Kelantan Menteri Besar, the late Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, has alleged that he was slapped by a senator while attending an official university programme in Janda Baik, Pahang on May 20.
Nik Alif Aiman Abdul Ariffahmi said the incident allegedly occurred at around 6pm after the end of a lecture session held in conjunction with the "Program Pemerkasaan Bangsa 2.0" at Institut Latihan Memperkasa Ummah (Ilmu).
He said the invited speaker at the event was a senator who was also introduced as a member of the board of directors of a university.
"During a conversation after a photo session, a deputy vice-chancellor informed the senator that I am the grandson of the late Nik Aziz.
"After that, a discussion related to politics arose and I claim that he made remarks criticising Pas before suddenly slapping my left cheek with his right hand," said Alif, who is also the president of the Student Representative Council (MPP).
He claimed the slap did not cause physical injury, but was strong enough to turn his head and face to the right due to the impact.
He said the incident took place in front of about 10 to 15 people, including several senior university officers and fellow MPP members.
"I did not retaliate out of respect for him as an older person. However, I felt humiliated, ashamed and emotionally affected as it happened in front of others and I felt that my dignity and my family’s honour were tarnished," he said.
He added that the act was also seen as an insult to his family, which is linked to the late Nik Aziz, a respected religious figure and leader.
He said after the incident, the senator allegedly invited him to have a meal together, but he declined the invitation as a form of protest.
He subsequently lodged a police report to enable further investigation, including obtaining statements from witnesses at the scene.
Meanwhile, his father, Abdul Ariffahmi Abd Rahman, when contacted said the police report was lodged at the Kota Bharu District Police Headquarters (IPD) on Saturday.
"That same night, the police called my son in to record his statement for about an hour. The next day, we went to Bentong after being called again by the police there to give our statements.
"We brought the police to the scene. Alif is currently feeling sad and disappointed, as he is the MPP president and was treated in such a manner," he said.