JOHOR BARU: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia assemblyman Rasman Ithnain (pic) is claiming political conspiracy after a police report was lodged against him by a fellow party member accusing him of sexual harassment.

       “I deny the accusations made in the report, which is a political conspiracy and an attempt to bring down my dignity and tarnish my reputation as an elected representative.

       “Such a political conspiracy will not weaken my spirit to fight on and carry out the responsibilities that have been entrusted to me through the people’s mandate,” he said in a statement yesterday.

       Rasman, who is the Sedili assemblyman, added that he had spoken to his lawyers and would not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who attempted to smear his name and image.

       He said he found out on Monday afternoon that a report had been lodged against him by a Kota Tinggi Bersatu Srikandi committee member.

       Rasman added that he would give his full cooperation throughout the investigation process to ensure that justice prevailed.

       On Monday, a woman claimed that she had been sexually harassed by Rasman on more than one occasion.

       It is learnt that the woman, who is in her twenties, lodged a police report at around 11.30am on Monday.

       Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Hussin Zamora, when contacted, said police had recorded Rasman’s statement together with that of several other individuals regarding the allegations.

       However, he declined to elaborate further because the matter was still under investigation.

       Rasman won the Sedili seat on an Umno ticket, but jumped to Bersatu following the 14th General Election in 2018.