Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad defends woman falsely identified in relation to Faishal Ibrahim

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad has stepped forward to defend a woman who denied involvement with the former Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, who resigned his position.

Earlier reports stated that allegations had surfaced claiming she was the woman behind his recent resignation.

Facebook post

In a Jul. 27 Facebook post, Zaqy said that though many are "still trying to come to terms with the hurt and disappointment of recent events", "we should not cause the same pain to others".

He said: "A woman who was wrongly identified in relation to Prof Faishal has had to publicly clarify that she was not involved."

Noting that her photographs and identity were circulated, exposing her to false accusations and abusive comments, Zaqy urged that "no innocent person, especially a woman, should have to endure such harassment because of unfounded speculation".

He said: "Prof Faishal has served our community with sincerity and dedication over many years. As he and his family go through this difficult period, I hope we will continue to accord them the privacy, compassion and respect they deserve."

"Our community has always valued adab (good manners, etiquette)," he added.

"It reminds us to be careful with our words and responsible with what we share. Before passing on a claim, let us pause, verify the facts and remember that a few clicks online can cause deep hurt to innocent people."

Willing to take legal action

Prior to this, in an Instagram post on Jul. 27, the woman, Rasidah Caudal, included a screenshot of what appeared to be a Telegram message claiming that she was "the one who caused MP Faishal to resign".

"I would like to take the occasion to categorically reject these accusations," she said.

Caudal superimposed the text, "untrue allegation", over this screenshot, and said in the caption that she has been "wrongfully accused as the woman in the Prof Faishal case".

Caudal is a certified senior piloxing and pilates trainer whose classes are held at various community centres, as listed on the onePA website.

She clarified in her post that her "only contact with" Faishal was during her two fitness events at Kampung Ubi Community Centre (CC), which were organised by the Kembangan CC Women’s Executive Committee (WEC).

These two events, she told Mothership, took place on Mar. 29 and Jul. 12.

She clarified that she has not had any "personal meeting[s]" with Faishal.

She also warned that she "will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone spreading these false rumours".

Apart from herself, Caudal also urged the public not to seek to cause damage to the actual woman involved.