KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — Beruas Umno chief Datuk Azhar Ahmad has denied claims that he slapped a student who is also the grandson of the late Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat during a programme at the Ummah Empowerment Training Institute (ILMU) in Janda Baik, Pahang, on May 20.

According to Kosmo! Online, Azhar said allegations circulating on social media were false and did not reflect what actually happened.

He said the incident took place after he had delivered a talk and was walking towards the dining hall when he was introduced to the student, who is the UiTM Kelantan Student Representative Council president.

“I was informed that he is the nephew of a friend of mine. In a friendly setting, I shook hands and touched his cheek as a gesture of familiarity due to my relationship with his family,” he said in a statement.

Azhar insisted that no slap, physical assault or aggressive act had taken place as alleged.

He said the interaction occurred openly in front of several witnesses, including UiTM student affairs officers, programme organisers and participants.

Azhar also expressed regret over the circulation of the video, saying it did not show the full context of the incident and had led to negative perceptions of him.

He urged the public to verify facts before spreading claims and said he reserved the right to take legal action against those who published or shared false statements damaging his reputation.

Earlier, a video went viral on social media alleging that Azhar had slapped the student during the programme, triggering public reactions online.