KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Jefridin Atan, special officer to Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (fondly known as Pak Lah), has denied rumours that the former Prime Minister is in ill health.
"Tun is in good health and is with his family," Jefridin posted last night on Pak Lah's official Facebook account, which is fully managed by Pertubuhan Legasi Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"The Office of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi denies news that has gone viral about Tun's health," he said in his statement, Bernama reported.
Jefridin added that he regrets the spread of 'fake news' that Pak Lah's health has deteriorated, and that he hopes that the public would verify the authenticity of information they receive before spreading it.
Pak Lah, 81, was Malaysia's fifth Prime Minister, from 2003-2009.