Dr Zaliha denies attending Myanmar refugee settlement ceremony, says viral claim is false

Former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has firmly denied claims that she attended or officiated at a ceremony marking the settlement of Myanmar refugees. She clarified that the viral social media post is false and malicious, and that she does not know the individual mentioned in the photo. Dr Zaliha explained that the image was likely taken at the Asean Sustainable Urbanisation Forum, Asean Governors and Mayors Forum (AGMF), and Meeting of Governors and Mayors of Asean Capitals (MGMAC) 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur on August 12, 2025.

She was invited to deliver a special address and participate in a joint launch ceremony officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. The program was open to public registration, and Dr Zaliha emphasized that merely being present at the event does not imply any relationship or endorsement of the attendees' views or actions.

The Sekijang MP vowed to report the misleading post to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for legal review and appropriate action. Dr Zaliha also dismissed allegations that she had supported or facilitated the resettlement of Myanmar refugees, asserting that her tenure as the Federal Territories Minister was marked by the creation of the KL Strike Force to address illegal settlements and unauthorized activities by foreign nationals.