In a sudden turn of events, Komtar assemblyperson Ng Wei Aik has apologised to the Indian-Muslim restaurant owner who is central to the controversy surrounding allegations that Ng had uttered racist remarks.
“I also apologise to all the Indian Muslims in the country,” he added.
Ng then thanked his comrades in PKR Youth for their support, and said that he does not wish for the matter to prolong.
He added however that he was apologising for the incident that had occurred that night, and not for something that did not exist.
When asked whether he planned to resign as political secretary over the incident, Ng said it was no longer an issue as he has offered has already tendered his “apology with a sincere heart”.
“I would accept a fair deal if the MPPP also takes action against the others, not just me,” he said.
On the “balik India” remark, Syed Kassali concurred with Ng that no party should play up racial sentiments.
As for seeking compensation for his losses, Syed Kassali said he would discuss the matter with his family before proceeding further.
Source :http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/153371
Ng delivered his apology to the restaurant owner Syed Kassali Mohammed Aliyar during a press conference in Komtar this morning.
The DAP assemblyperson expressed regret that he had acted in a rude manner when he had accompanied the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) in an operation against the restaurant for flouting regulations. Ng however maintains his innocence against allegations that he had uttered racist remarks at the scene.
“I apologise if I have said any words or made remarks, consciously or unconsciously, which has caused hurt to Syed Kassali, his family, friends and workers,” said Ng at the press conference.
“I also apologise to all the Indian Muslims in the country,” he added.
Ng then thanked his comrades in PKR Youth for their support, and said that he does not wish for the matter to prolong.
He added however that he was apologising for the incident that had occurred that night, and not for something that did not exist.
When asked whether he planned to resign as political secretary over the incident, Ng said it was no longer an issue as he has offered has already tendered his “apology with a sincere heart”.
Community up in arms
The apology came ahead of another protest planned this afternoon at 2pm in Komtar against Ng by a group that calls itself Suara Anak-Anak Mamak Pulau Pinang (Voice of the Penang Mamak).
Last week, the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma) also held a rally and handed a memorandum to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng urging him to act against Ng, who is his political secretary.
Ng caused a furore among the Indian-Muslim community in Penang recently after raiding the restaurant in Gat Lebuh Macallum on Jan 2, where it was alleged that he told the owner and workers to “tutup kedai, balik India” (close shop, go back to India).
He was at the premises with the MPPP team following an accident earlier that night involving two vehicles that had endangered the lives of several customers who were having their meals on tables placed along the road-side.
Ng , together with the enforcement team, seized tables, chairs, a gas cylinder and all obstructive equipment or structures along the road and the pedestrian walkway.
However, following the controversy, Ng vowed to stay out of any of the MPPP's future enforcement activities, to avoid incidences of slander being repeated.
Last week, the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma) also held a rally and handed a memorandum to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng urging him to act against Ng, who is his political secretary.
Ng caused a furore among the Indian-Muslim community in Penang recently after raiding the restaurant in Gat Lebuh Macallum on Jan 2, where it was alleged that he told the owner and workers to “tutup kedai, balik India” (close shop, go back to India).
He was at the premises with the MPPP team following an accident earlier that night involving two vehicles that had endangered the lives of several customers who were having their meals on tables placed along the road-side.
Ng , together with the enforcement team, seized tables, chairs, a gas cylinder and all obstructive equipment or structures along the road and the pedestrian walkway.
However, following the controversy, Ng vowed to stay out of any of the MPPP's future enforcement activities, to avoid incidences of slander being repeated.
Ng offers olive branch
Later at the restaurant premises, Ng and his team of PKR Youth held a closed-door meeting with Syed Kassali.
Ng told the press afterwards that he hoped this peace process will curb other parties whipping up racial sentiments over the matter.
He urged the restaurant owner to apply for the necessary license to run his business, adding that he would offer assistance where necessary should the latter face any problems during the process.
Syed Kassali however called on Ng and the MPPP not to single out his restaurant for placing tables and chairs on the road-side.Ng told the press afterwards that he hoped this peace process will curb other parties whipping up racial sentiments over the matter.
He urged the restaurant owner to apply for the necessary license to run his business, adding that he would offer assistance where necessary should the latter face any problems during the process.
“I would accept a fair deal if the MPPP also takes action against the others, not just me,” he said.
On the “balik India” remark, Syed Kassali concurred with Ng that no party should play up racial sentiments.
As for seeking compensation for his losses, Syed Kassali said he would discuss the matter with his family before proceeding further.
Source :http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/153371
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