‘Ambassador to the aliens’ denies reports

Reports that the United Nations was set to appoint an ambassador to the aliens might turn out to be a work of science fiction.

Little-known Malaysian astrophysicist Dr Mazlan Othman was expected to be officially unveiled as the head of the UN's Office for Outer Space Affairs next week, a position described as "the nearest thing we have to a 'take me to your leader' person".

However, Dr Othman has denied the Sunday Times report, which claimed she would "co-ordinate humanity's response to any first contact".

The Guardian now reports that she has said in an email that "It sounds really cool but I have to deny it". She had reportedly been set to announce her role publicly at a Royal Society conference, which has also been denied.

It would appear that Dr Othman will not be Earth's ambassador to the universe after all. Unless, that is, her denial is merely a diversion in a massive bid to hide a global conspiracy. The truth, as always, is out there. ·