KUALA LUMPUR – Penang’s Permatang Pasir assemblyman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil has denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a 31-year-old shop assistant earlier this month.
In a statement today, Faiz, who is also Amanah national council member, said he had been called by police over investigations into the case on March 18 following a police report lodged against him.
“I have given my statement to the police and will continue to do so to aid investigations. The details of my defence cannot be revealed as investigations are still ongoing.
“I am also discussing with my legal team to take appropriate legal action to clear my name.”
Faiz said he will continue his duties as assemblyman as usual and continue to uphold democracy and social justice.
His response comes after police had earlier confirmed its investigation into an Amanah assemblyman.
Subang Jaya district police chief Abd Khalid Othman confirmed that the victim had lodged a report against the politician on March 16 at the Bandar Sunway police station.
In the report seen by The Vibes, the woman said on the night of March 8 on a trip to Sunway Pyramid shopping centre, the politician tried to touch her inappropriately.
She alleged that the suspect suddenly tried to hold her hands, but she pushed his hands away. Despite being spurned by the woman, the man then allegedly attempted to molest her by pulling her shoulders and holding her hands again.
Despite feeling uneasy by his advances, the woman said the man continued his actions and warned her not to tell anyone about the incident.
The victim later lodged a report due to emotional stress.
Khalid said the investigation is ongoing and the case is classified under Section 354 of the Penal Code for assault or criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty.
Son of the late former PAS president Datuk Fadzil Mohd Noor, Faiz is also former chairman of the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia in the previous Pakatan Harapan administration. – The Vibes, March 23, 2021
