SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA: "I am a victim. I appeal for some breathing space to be given to my family and me in this trying time."

State executive councillor and Bukit Lanjan assemblywoman Elizabeth Wong issued this plea yesterday.

She learned of the circulation of nude photographs of her when journalists from an English tabloid said they have them in their possession.

"I was told that some people were trying to distribute the photos or videos showing me asleep in partial nudity and also in intimate positions."

She said their distribution and publication was a malicious attack on her and constituted a gross outrage of her modesty.

"It was also an invasion of my privacy and it was done by unscrupulous persons to embarrass and discredit me."

Wong, who lives in Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya, said she would not speculate about who was responsible for this.

"I have received a lot of support from my supporters, friends, colleagues and constituents.

"My family members are standing by me and I will continue to carry out my task of serving the people of Selangor."

Wong has not cancelled any of her scheduled programmes but one of her aides said she had cleared her diary.