Zaliha denies officiating groundbreaking ceremonies for Myanmar refugee settlements

Former federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has vehemently denied claims she officiated or participated in any groundbreaking ceremonies for settlements housing Myanmar refugees. The accusations, circulating on social media, are "false and malicious," she emphasized in a Facebook post today. Dr Zaliha clarified that she was invited to deliver a speech at the Asean sustainable urbanisation forum, which included the Asean governors and mayors forum and the meeting of governors and mayors of Asean capitals 2025.

However, she was not present at the launch ceremony, which was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof. The photo, she noted, featured a participant, but it does not imply any relationship or endorsement by Dr Zaliha. She vowed to report the matter to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for review and appropriate legal action.

Dr Zaliha also dismissed allegations of supporting or facilitating the resettlement of new Myanmar refugees, stating her actions as federal territories minister focused on security and public order issues, including the illegal settlement of Myanmar refugees in the capital. The KL Strike Force, established under her leadership, took action against illegal settlements, unlicensed businesses, and foreign activities without proper authorization. She urged all parties not to take photos out of context to create misleading narratives.