GEORGETOWN: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has denied having any connection to the appointment of Anuar Fariz Fadzil as the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
The Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai shared that he has an older brother who works in a chemical production company and a younger sibling involved in the arts as a musician.
"My younger brother is a musician, and he has never receieved a single cent (funding) under any ministry-related program; I would not allow that," he said during the Program Sembang Santai Komuniti Madani Pulau Pinang here today.
When approached by reporters afterwards, Fahmi reiterated that he has no family ties or relationship with Anuar Fariz, noting only the similarity in the spelling of their father's names.
He also hopes this situation serves as a lesson for everyone and reminds the public to be cautious with the information they receive.
"The only similarity is our father's name. We're not cousins, nor are we distantly related. Different fathers, different mothers. I have no connection to that appointment.
"So for everyone trying to spread slander, I hope they realise that. Don't be so quick to spread falsehoods," he said.
Last Thursday, former member of Umni Supreme Council, Isham Jalil, asked on Facebook whether Anuar Fadzil was Fahmi's brother.
However, he later updated the post with a clarification titled "Correction on Fahmi Fadzil's Brother," stating that he was not making accusations or spreading slander against either individual involved.
On Friday, Anuar had said he is unrelated to Fahmi.
"We are not related," he said in a text to the New Straits Times.