PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA: Embattled Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong has left the country, but not before reiterating her desire to quit as Selangor state executive council member and assemblyman.

"I have informed my party leaders that I am determined to relinquish all my positions, as a state exco member as well as a state assemblywoman.

"I am thankful for the party leadership's concern and encouragement. I seek their understanding for my predicament," she said in a press statement.

She added that her commitment to the ideals of PKR remained unwavering and she would remain a member.

Wong also pleaded with the media and her supporters to give her some space and peace of mind.

"I urge the media to leave my family, friends and I alone. Please do not continue to shame my family and I so that we have a chance to lead a normal life as ordinary citizens," she said.

She added that despite having tendered her resignation from all posts, the media and websites continued to intrude into her private life.

"I have been informed by several media that they will continue to publish even more lewd, graphical, sensational stories of my private life.

"I have also been told there will be a fresh assault, with more photographs and videos released and circulated in order to completely degrade and bury me," she said in the e-mail.

She stated that public discussions should not be focused on her but on more important issues such as the economic slowdown.

"Unemployment is rising while corruption remains rampant. I wish public discussions will concentrate on these important issues rather than analysing my private life. My principle remains the same.

"I will not answer any questions pertaining to my private life. My private life is not for public scrutiny as I have not broken any law or caused harm to anyone," she said.

She described these trying times as her darkest episode in life and that she had never felt so alone, vulnerable and humiliated since the scandal broke out.