PETALING JAYA: A deputy minister has apologised over the issue of his “online marriage solemnisation”, which went viral on social media recently.
Deputy agriculture and food industries minister Che Abdullah Mat Nawi said though he was sorry, he will not hesitate to take legal action against those who were trying to “humiliate me and bring down the dignity of my family”.
Che Abdullah, who declined to provide any details about the marriage, added that he had handed over the matter to his lawyer.
“This marriage involves personal and family privacy which should not be made public. I first apologise if this has offended any party.
“However, issues like this (sharing on social media) should not happen. It seems that the intention was to humiliate or bring down the dignity of my family or perhaps disrupt my work,” he told reporters after a working visit at Jelepang Padi Seberang Perak, Pasir Salak.
Che Abdullah, who is also Tumpat MP, said he hoped that the community would respect his privacy and that of his family.
“In this regard, I appeal to all parties to give me space to resolve this issue personally.
“This issue does not affect the work that has been entrusted to me as deputy agriculture and food industries minister and as an MP,” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.
Meanwhile, Che Abdullah also thanked his family members, friends and the media who provided encouragement and prayers in facing this issue.
Astro Awani had reported on Sunday that the Narathiwat Islamic Council in Thailand was investigating a marriage solemnisation ceremony which was conducted online, involving a deputy minister.
An official from the council was also quoted as saying that it had never approved “online solemnisation ceremonies”.
The report followed a video that had gone viral on social media showing a deputy minister and a woman in her 20s exchanging their vows online during the marriage solemnisation ceremony.
A close-up photo of the marriage certificate also showed that the ceremony was conducted on June 1.-FMT