Ex-deputy minister lodges police report over claims of links to trafficking ring


PETALING JAYA: Former deputy minister Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim has lodged a police report in response to recent allegations linking her to human trafficking activities in Myanmar.

She said she had also given a statement to Bukit Aman to address what she described as baseless accusations circulated by certain parties, including the Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO).

"I deny any involvement in such activities. It was merely a coincidence that a friend invited me to take a photograph at his project site in Myanmar," she said in a statement on Facebook on Thursday (Aug 29).

She added that the allegations were constructed from random media sources, lacking credibility and substance.

Mashitah also said she was ready to pursue legal action against those attempting to tarnish her reputation through these claims.

"I will not hesitate to take legal action against any party that associates me with this defamation," she said.

Mashitah, who was deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of Islamic affairs from 2008 to 2013, thanked those who expressed concern and support for her.

"Thank you to my friends for their concern," she said, reassuring them that she remained unwavering in her commitment to Islamic teachings and Malaysian law.

"Alhamdulillah, I remain steadfast in adhering to Islamic teachings and am not involved in any activities that go against religion or Malaysian law," she added.

On Wednesday (Aug 28), the MHO asked the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the alleged involvement of a politician and her husband in connection with a human trafficking syndicate in Myanmar.

MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said the request was made following an expose by an Indonesian YouTube channel, which he said had tarnished Malaysia's image on the global platform.

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