Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Yusof does not feel offended that his image in a photograph of Pakatan Harapan leaders had been edited out.

The photograph fetched RM500,000 when it was auctioned at the Harapan Charity Dinner last Sunday.

While admitting to being shocked to see his image had “disappeared”, the Bersatu Supreme Council member said it could have been inadvertently deleted during printing or when touching up to make the picture clearer.

“I don’t think there was any ulterior motive involved.

“Maybe (it was edited) so that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s hand (on the picture) could become clearer,” he told reporters at his office here today.

However, Redzuan feels that it should not have happened because the photograph marked an historic moment as it was captured after Mahathir took his oath as the seventh Prime Minister on May 10.

He also said it was not fair that the buyer would not get the original picture.

“For an historic photograph to be auctioned off for RM500,000, it has to be an original. If you are selling history, you sell history, don’t alter history,” he said, adding that he did not know who edited the picture.

Redzuan said he only realised his image had been edited out when many asked him about it after it became a hot topic on social media and blogs.

“I received hundreds of messages yesterday (regarding the matter). My reaction was no picture (of me) no problem,” he said, adding that it should not be blown out of proportion if the bidder for the photograph was okay with it.

Asked if he would make a police report on the matter, he said: “Why should I? I think it is a mistake and unintentionally done with no ulterior motive.”

Bidding for the historic photograph started at RM100,000 before Platinum Victory Sdn Bhd managing director Gan Yu Chai made a bid for RM500,000 and won.

- Bernama