BERUAS Umno chief, Datuk Azhar Ahmad, denied allegations that he slapped a student who is also the grandson of the late Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat in a program at the Ummah Empowerment Training Institute (ILMU), Janda Baik, Pahang, on May 20.
Azhar said that the allegations that went viral through a video recording on social media were untrue and did not reflect the actual situation that occurred.
According to him, the incident occurred after he finished delivering a lecture and walked to the dining hall before being introduced to the President of the Student Representative Council (MPP) of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kelantan.
"At that time, I was informed that he was my friend's nephew. In a friendly atmosphere, I shook his hand and touched his cheek as a sign of friendliness, given my relationship with his family.
"There was no slap, physical attack or rude act as alleged," he said in a statement.
He explained that the incident occurred openly in front of several parties, including UiTM Student Affairs (HEP) officers, the program secretariat and participants who were at the location at the time.
Azhar also expressed regret over the dissemination of the video recording, which he said did not show the entire context of the incident, thus creating a negative perception of him.
"I call on all parties to examine the facts and not spread baseless allegations.
"I also reserve all rights to take legal action against any party that publishes or spreads false statements that damage my reputation," he said.
A video circulating on social media since yesterday appeared to show the student, identified as Nik Alif Aiman, claiming that he was slapped by Azhar, sparking various reactions among netizens. – June 2, 2026
