I was born a Muslim, I am still a Muslim - and will remain a Muslim 'til the day I die
Mr Ariff Alfian Rosli yesterday told The Irish Times he was not missing and wished to correct inaccurate comments about him in the Malaysian media.
"I am not missing. The Irish authorities know I am legally resident here. The Malaysian embassy has also been aware for several years that I am residing here legally," he said.
"I feel I have have been inadvertently thrust into the public eye. I just want to get by without upsetting anyone or causing any trouble. My overriding concern is for my family."
He declined to comment on whether he had a civil partnership or was involved in a same-sex relationship. Homosexuality is still a taboo issue in Malaysia.
Advocates for gay rights say many Malaysians remain afraid to come out publicly for fear of religious condemnation or prosecution.
Mr Rosli also said reports that he had renounced his Muslim faith were inaccurate.
"I have not converted to any religion, contrary to what has been reported. I was born a Muslim, I am still a Muslim and will remain a Muslim 'til the day I die. Nothing will shake me from my faith."
He also said he was in regular contact with his family and was baffled at how his "disappearance" had become a major source of controversy in his home country. However, he has not spoken with his father – a retired naval officer – for several years.
"I had a disagreement with my father in 2009, after which he reported me missing . . . I'm not in communication with him, but I am in regular contact with my other family members," he added - Irish Times
Comments
He went to Ireland on a study loan by the National Petoleum Company (Petronas) of which his father was the guarantor. Now he owes Petronas RM 1 million for his study loan and yet he does not repay it. He escapes to Ireland and refuses to pay off the loan.
His father, who is a retired naval officer has to pay up as the father acted as a guarantor for the loan.
Is that a fair thing to do to your parents?