KUALA LUMPUR: The wife of former Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud has called out to the public to stop all assumptions and accusations directed towards her.
In an open letter to Sarawakians on Feb 6 (Tuesday), Toh Puan Raghad Kurti said her only concern at the moment was her husband's wellbeing.
She also said that news and photos widely circulated on social media platforms recently had tarnished her reputation and image as the wife of the former Sarawak governor.
"For the past few days, news and images that tarnish my image and reputation as the wife of the former Sarawak governor have been circulating on social media platforms.
"My only concern at the moment is the wellbeing of my husband. (And) I humbly request (for all parties) to stop all these assumptions and accusations towards me.
"My priority is only to take care of my husband at this point in time, please do not believe any of the rumours being said about me."
Raghad also said that she would not leave the country and continue her charity work for the Sarawak people once Taib regains his health.
"Though I am a foreign-born, I am now a Malaysian and will always be a Malaysian.
"I will not leave the country and will continue with my charity works towards Sarawakian after Taib gains his health back.
"With this, I hope all of you can come together and pray for Taib."
On Feb 5, police confirmed that they received a report regarding Taib, who was reportedly taken out of a private hospital where he was warded.
Sarawak police commissioner, Datuk Mancha Ata, said the incident was being probed under Section 336 of the Penal Code, under negligence which could endanger the lives of others.
The report comes after Taib's family claimed that they were in the dark about his whereabouts.
His brother, Datuk Mohammad Tufail Mahmud, in a police report lodged at the Kuching central police station, also claimed the family would hold Raghad "fully accountable and responsible" if anything happened to the 87-year-old.
Tufail also alleged that Taib was "removed and abducted" by Raghad from the hospital against medical advice without consulting the intensive care unit (ICU) medical staff, and without consulting and obtaining the approval of the family.
Following the claims, Raghad had on social media denied claims that she had taken her husband out of the hospital against doctors' advice.