Hage-Ali gives up title after drug raid

YOUNG Muslim leader Iktimal Hage-Ali has described her distress at having to relinquish her NSW Young Australian of the Year title after revelations that she was caught up in drug raids in western Sydney last month.

YOUNG Muslim leader Iktimal Hage-Ali has described her distress at having to relinquish her NSW Young Australian of the Year title after revelations that she was caught up in drug raids in western Sydney last month.

Ms Hage-Ali, the youngest member of John Howard's handpicked Muslim Community Reference Group, was arrested last month by Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad detectives investigating an alleged cocaine supply ring but was released without charge.

While admitting yesterday that she had some involvement with the men who have been charged in relation to the drug raid, Ms Hage-Ali said she was shattered at the consequences of being publicly smeared by the allegations.

"I have made poor judgments and I have made some mistakes and I regret it," Ms Hage-Ali told the Seven Network. "But people forget that I was not charged and I won't be charged."

It is understood that she admitted to police that she had purchased a small amount of cocaine for personal use on a number of occasions.

An emotional Ms Hage-Ali, 22, said she "didn't think it was right" to hold the title of NSW Young Australian of the Year "while there is so much negative publicity surrounding my circumstances".

Ms Hage-Ali has also withdrawn from the Young Australian of the Year national process and has taken leave from her job at the NSW Attorney-General's Department.

The president of the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia, Keysar Trad, last night praised Ms Hage-Ali for relinquishing her award.