Joo Phoi refutes allegation having affair with a popular singer

Former Batu Kawah assemblyman Tan Joo Phoi clarified that he did not have an affair with a popular singer as alleged in a widely circulated SMS.
The former assistant minister said the rumours disseminated before the state election had influenced him badly in the polls because it was sent to so many people especially in his constituency..
Tan, 59, failed to retain his seat and lost to DAP newcomer Christina Chew by 543 votes in a straight fight.
Admitting that he knew the woman as a popular singer, but said "there is no relationship between us.”
Tan explained that the woman, Iren Tam, 51, who rose to fame after winning an Astro singing competition, was invited to perform in many dinners but there was no other interaction between them.
“My family is also aware of this. They do not believe this at all,” Tan added.
Nevertheless, Tan said he would not seek legal action nor lodge a police report as the other party was already taking action.
On Tuesday, Tam, accompanied by her husband and son, went to lodge a police report against the defamatory rumours implicating her in an alleged affair with Tan.
The message alleged that Tam’s husband Pei Sung Po, a you zha kuehseller, found out about their affair and took RM50,000 to cover up the matter.
Tam said the SMS had tarnished the couple’s reputation and urged the police to investigate the source of the rumours.