I wish to clarify matters arising from the circulation of an article I wrote as a personal tribute to Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, which has recently been taken out of context and misquoted, leading to public speculation and questions regarding alleged attempts at bribery.
The article was never intended to allege misconduct or suggest that any improper engagement took place. Its sole purpose was to highlight Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha’s integrity and leadership. Unfortunately, a small portion was extracted without context and has since gone viral, resulting in misunderstanding.
The incident referred to occurred approximately two years ago, following Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha’s announcement, while serving as Minister of Health, that the Ministry was preparing legislation related to smoking and vaping products. At that time, public reaction was mixed and marked by widespread misunderstanding, with many wrongly assuming the proposal involved a total ban. This created anxiety among industry players and stakeholders.
In the week following the announcement, various individuals attempted to contact the Minister’s office, including requests for meetings. On one occasion, while I was attending to visitors at the lobby, a person or group requested to meet the Minister. When asked about the purpose of the meeting, it became apparent that their intention was to negotiate the withdrawal of the proposed bill, with implied offers being suggested.
I immediately informed Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha of this request. She categorically refused to meet anyone and instructed that they be asked to leave. I conveyed this instruction, and the individuals left. Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha did not meet them at any time, nor did she entertain any discussion of such nature.
When i was writing the a tribute article, i was trying to recall that particular incident. Any suggestion otherwise is inaccurate and the result of misquotation.
At that point, the priority of the Ministry was to stabilise the situation by correcting public misunderstanding and ensuring stakeholders clearly understood the intent and scope of the proposed legislation. The focus was therefore placed on structured and continuous stakeholder engagement to prevent escalation and allow the policy process to proceed effectively.
In my assessment at the time, there was no serious or explicit bribery offer that met the threshold requiring immediate reporting. Had there been any clear, direct, or explicit attempt to offer a bribe, it would have been reported to the authorities without hesitation.
As this matter has now been taken out of context and amplified through misquotations, I am lodging a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to formally place the full facts on record and to clarify.
I remain prepared to provide further clarification if needed.
Sivamalar Genapathy
Formar Politicial Secretary to Datuk Ssri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
