KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — Former TV celebrity Wardina Safiyyah and social activist Syed Azmi Alhabshi have claimed innocence, after popular preacher Datuk Kazim Elias accused the two of trying to slander his tahfiz school with allegations of sexual abuse.

Following Kazim’s police report against them yesterday, both maintained that they have never named the school in question and instead it was revealed by the police themselves and subsequent media reports.

"Honestly, it is a waste of the police’s precious time investigating me and Syed Azmi. The one who revealed the name of the school was not me or Syed Azmi, but Astro Awani and the police,” Wardina said on her official Facebook account, referring to a local news channel.

"The police should spend more time investigating the allegations made to the school. We did nothing wrong.”

The actress-turned-activist said they have never even shared the police report made by the mother of the alleged victim.

She also pointed out that Kazim however did not make a counter report against the mother for alleged slander.

"So what? Now we can’t share stories of alleged sexual abuse anymore? Ridiculous … I leave this to the police,” she added.

Meanwhile, Syed Azmi in a public on post on his Facebook profile have pleaded for legal assistance should he need it.

"Again, I have never mentioned his name and his school in any of my postings. At the moment, this is a bump on my journey to create awareness on child safety among other things.

"So please, pray for me. And in case I need a lawyer, please be there for me,” he appealed.

Yesterday, Kazim lodged a police report in Ipoh, claiming the duo’s claim was "slanderous” and "tarnished his reputation as a religious preacher”.

He told Awani he lodged the report since comments made on their Facebook accounts were "very humiliating” and he wished to clear his name and that of Darul Barakah, his tahfiz school where students are taught Quran memorisation.

Perak Police confirmed this week they have received reports of sexual abuse in the school, and have taken statements from 10 individuals including students, the alleged victim, and the school.

Kazim has since denied the allegations, and vowed to turn over the culprit if he is proven guilty, even if it was a member of his own family.