No request by Rosmah to meet Rajnikanth - Rizal

There is no truth in recent news reports of a request by the prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor to meet Tamil movie idol Rajnikanth, as published by Malaysiakini today.

The Prime Minister's Office Special Division principal assistant director Datuk Rizal Mansor said speculation from unfounded sources was not helpful.

Denying the Malaysiakini report in a statement here today, he said: "Datin Seri Rosmah has the greatest respect for Rajnikanth and understands how huge a star he is - both in India and Malaysia.

"However, there is no truth in recent news reports that there was a request to meet Mr Sivaji (Rajnikanth's real name is Sivaji Rao Gaekwad). Neither is it scheduled for this visit to the country with one of the world's fastest economic growth this year," said the statement.

According to the Malaysiakini report derived from an Indian news website, 'The Telegraph', Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Rosmah have purportedly requested to meet Rajnikanth.

However, Malaysiakini was unable to independently verify the claim.

Najib, accompanied by Rosmah will undertake a five-day official visit to India, beginning tomorrow that will take him to Chennai, New Delhi and Jaipur.

-- BERNAMA