It’s almost a week now since the incident transpired. I have been reading news reports and blog postings but none of them have depicted my account of the story, except for Malaysiakini.

I have also been subjected to numerous insults on blog comments particularly, slandering me for being insensitive to racial matters.

Truth be told, what could have been resolved with a simple explanation resulted in an unjustified action by Mior Azam Shah Mior Yahya, personal assistant to the Seri Setia state assemblyperson Nik Nazmi. But this issue was severely played down by the mainstream media for usual/obvious reasons.

Two weeks prior to the incident, complains were already pouring in from residents of Desa Mentari about the construction of a surau at their nearby playground. We further assessed the situation and discovered that the residents weren’t exactly opposing the new surau ; they were against any form of development on their children’s playground.

To further substantiate their argument, the residents made reference to an existing surau within the proximity of 100m from the construction site. Now, this raised an important question as to who was responsible for this project? We even made trips to the local council but there were no signs of any construction permit for the surau.

At about 2.30pm on the day of the ground-breaking ceremony, I was informed by my aides that the Desa Mentari residents had resorted to a staging a peaceful protest outside the perimeters of the venue. I decided to visit the area an hour later and was mobbed by over 200 dissatisfied residents who could no longer withhold their grouses. They demanded an immediate explanation but continued to be civil in their stance. I reassured them that I will demystify this matter with the authorities present at the ceremony.

As the event came to an end, I approached Azam (as his participation in the ceremony was obvious) and asked “who is responsible for this?”. My question fell on deaf ears despite asking over 10 times. Irritated by Azam’s deliberate silence and knowing that I was answerable to hundreds of people, I sternly pointed at him and said, “you as a PA should know!”. That was when he punched me in the face, above my right eye!

Upon witnessing that incident, some residents grew furious and tried to exchange blows with Azam. Despite being assaulted by him, I attempted to block the residents from hitting Azam, for fear that the incident may turn from bad to ugly. Thank goodness they eventually stopped the aggression and some suggested I head to the police station to report the incident without further delay.

It all happened in an instant. I was escorted by the residents in 5 cars and lodged a report at the Sungai Way police station. Ironically, Azam also made his way to the police station. He hugged me and apologised for his unprofessional conduct.

I have been asked by certain individuals to retract the police report but I won’t because it is necessary to send out the right message. I only hope there will be no serious consequences against Azam.

As for the project, construction is frozen until further consultation with about 6,000 of the Desa Mentari residents.

This is my personal account of the story and I acted in the best interest of my people. Now, you be the judge of the incident…