Azhar: I’m a victim of nasty rumours
08 Nov 2006, NST Online
LANGKAWI: The man at the centre of the rumours of a mass baptism of Muslims at a church in Ipoh said yesterday he was not surprised over allegations about his religious status.
Datuk Azhar Mansor said he had been a victim of malicious accusations, including claims that he had converted to Christianity, seven years ago.Speaking to reporters here yesterday, the national mariner said the first few accusations on his religious status surfaced via emails during his solo sail around the world between Feb 2 and Aug 11, 1999.”This allegation has been around since 1999. It’s not very nice, but the incident in Ipoh last Sunday is a blessing in disguise because now the authorities can investigate.”We didn’t ask for these things (accusations) to happen. This matter may soon be over,” he told reporters at the Telaga Harbour Park here.
It was reported that SMSes and emails claiming Azhar would baptise a group of Malays in a church in Silibin, Ipoh, on Nov 5 had been in circulation last week.
Azhar told the Press the accusations were “normal” and should not be blown out of proportion.
“I could not have done what was alleged in the SMS on Sunday because I was working at the yacht marina in Telaga Harbour, Langkawi, just as I have done for the past four years.
“I don’t know how my name was implicated. Let’s all wait for the authorities to investigate and I hope the people will be patient and not jump to conclusions which will not benefit anyone.”
Appearing jovial throughout the hour-long interview, Azhar said he had received telephone calls from family members advising him to take care of his safety
Desiderata 