SHAH ALAM - Pas Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden has called on Umno to conduct an immediate investigation and take firm action against one of its leaders following allegations that the politician slapped the grandson of former Kelantan Menteri Besar, the late Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, during an official university event.
Afnan said the incident allegedly took place at an Umno-owned premises and involved a university student who should have been treated with respect regardless of political differences.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he questioned the explanation given by the Umno leader, who reportedly claimed that he had only touched Nik Alif Aiman Abdul Ariffahmi’s cheek as a gesture of friendliness.
"This explanation is difficult to accept. It is unreasonable for someone meeting another person for the first time to suddenly touch their cheek as a sign of friendliness. A handshake would be normal and reasonable.
"Nik Alif has reportedly lodged a police report regarding the incident. As the victim, he feels humiliated and that his dignity has been affected by the actions of the Umno leader, especially as the incident occurred in front of a large crowd during an official university event," he wrote.
The controversy stems from an explanation posted on TikTok by Nik Alif who is the UiTM Student Representative Council (MPP) president, who said the incident occurred during a lecture programme organised by UiTM at an Umno training institute in Janda Baik, Pahang.
According to Nik Alif, the incident happened after the lecture had ended and participants were taking photographs. He said he greeted the Umno leader and a brief political conversation followed after the politician was informed that he was the grandson of the late Nik Aziz.
Nik Alif subsequently alleged that the Umno leader slapped his left cheek during the exchange.
Afnan also urged the politician involved to apologise to Nik Alif and his family, arguing that the alleged act had affected the student's dignity and honour.
"Nik Alif has dignity and is not an item being auctioned at a night market that can be touched, let alone slapped, in public.
"Students should be respected regardless of their political views and should never be subjected to such treatment," he said.