Nik Alif Aiman Abdul Ariffahmi, 23, grandson of the late Kelantan Menteri Besar Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, alleged he was slapped by Datuk Azhar Ahmad, 62, Beruas UMNO chief and senator, during a programme at the Ummah Empowerment Training Institute (ILMU) in Janda Baik, Pahang on May 20, 2026 [1, 2].
The incident reportedly happened around 6 pm after a lecture session. Nik Alif said the senator slapped his left cheek during a casual interaction, an allegation Datuk Azhar firmly denies [1, 2]. "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," Datuk Azhar said. "There was no slap, physical attack or rude act as alleged," he added [3].
The interaction took place openly in front of several witnesses including UiTM student affairs officers, programme organisers, and participants [3, 4]. Nik Alif also serves as president of the UiTM Kelantan Student Representative Council [3, 4].
Following the incident, Nik Alif filed a police report on May 30 in Kelantan. Police there transferred the investigation to Pahang authorities, where the alleged event occurred [1, 2]. Pahang police are investigating under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which covers voluntarily causing hurt [2]. Both Datuk Azhar and the student have been questioned, and more witnesses are expected to be interviewed as the probe continues [2].
Datuk Azhar expressed regret over the viral video circulating on social media about the case and warned of legal action against what he called "false statements that damage my reputation." He urged all parties to examine facts carefully and avoid spreading baseless allegations [3, 4].
The police investigation remains ongoing with no charges filed as of now [2]. Authorities plan to complete witness statements soon.
