Shahidan, the Arau MP, today read out a prepared statement to the media accompanied by his lawyer Thalia Rohaina Abdul Latiff at the Parliament lobby.

The former Perlis menteri besar however questioned the media for giving publicity to the police report lodged in Kangar on Oct 21, despite its retraction by the girl’s family later.

“I have given cooperation to the police and hope the media would not prolong the issue because it would damage the reputation of the girl who has a future ahead of her and who must be protected,” he said.

“So please, let’s be fair to the family. The report has been retracted,” he added.

Shahidan also denied speculations that he had paid off the girl’s family to retract the report, saying he had not been aware they had done so until the family informed him.

Police have said they would investigate the complaint despite the retraction under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

Yesterday, Perlis police chief Noor Mushar Mohd revealed that Shahidan had asked the teen – a singer with a busking group – to meet him in his Toyota Harrier to “have a chat”.

He also said the MP and the teen were alone in the car.

According to the teen’s report to police, Mushar said, the MP had suddenly touched her hand and shoulders, which she swiftly brushed away.

The teenager left the vehicle immediately and was seen crying.