Husband of lawyer axed from Adib's inquest quits as minister's aide

Ahmad Soffian Mohd Shariff has tendered his resignation as the press secretary to Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.

In a statement to the media, Ahmad Soffian said he tendered his resignation today and would be on leave for a month.

The former Institut Wanita Berdaya Selangor public relations officer is also the husband of lawyer Syazlin Mansor, who was forced to withdraw from the inquest to determine firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim's cause of death.

Attorney-General Tommy Thomas had said that she was told to withdraw due to a possible conflict of interest since Syazlin was also representing the deceased's family apart from acting for the Housing and Local Government Ministry, as well as the Fire and Rescue Department.

Thomas, who cited several reasons for her removal, also mentioned that she was the wife of the minister's aide and that Syazlin often contradicted the position taken by the deputy public prosecutors involved in the inquest.

It was later revealed that Syazlin was representing the ministry on a pro bono basis.

Meanwhile, Zuraida confirmed the resignation, saying she received the aide's notice via Whatsapp.

“Ahmad Soffian is a dedicated staff who was highly committed towards his tasks.

“On principle, I respect his decision (to resign). However, as I am now abroad attending to certain matters, this matter will be scrutinised once again when I return home,” she added.

Contacted later, Ahmad Soffian declined to comment on the matter.

"I can't say much. Hope you understand," he said.

Meanwhile, Zuraida said she was in the dark since Ahmad Soffian cannot be contacted.