It's a conspiracy to tarnish Ridhwan's image, says personal aide

Datuk Seri Muhammad Ridhwan Sulaiman's personal assistant has claimed that the former's arrest under the Security Offences (Special Measures) 2012 (Sosma) was aimed at tarnishing his image by linking him to the Lahad Datu armed intrusion.

Hasbiallah Hakaman said this was because Ridhwan was planning to contest the Prai state seat as an Independent candidate in the 13th general election.

"Who's behind this conspiracy, I don't know. Anyway, his image is still not tainted for he has not been found guilty yet," he told reporters outside the Ampang Jaya Police District Headquarters here Monday.

On Ridhwan's relationship with Sultan Muedzul Lail Tan Kiram, Hasbiallah said they were business associates, but no longer keep in touch after the Lahad Datu intrusion.

"They were involved in dried coconut trees business and 'ayahanda' (Ridhwan) used to help the poor there (southern Philippines)," Hasbiallah said, but refused to disclose the amount of funds that had been sent to the southern Philippines.

On how Ridhwan, who is Al-Ehsan Islamiah Malaysia Welfare Association president, cope with the arrest, Hasbiallah said: "His morale is ok, he didn't have any problem. He knows he's on the right side for the association is not after violence, but charity.