Malaysian assemblyman apologises for using ‘racial slurs’ against Indian restaurateur

GEORGE TOWN - A Malaysian legislator Ng Wei Aik has apologised to the Indian owner of a nasi kandar restaurant over his rough conduct during an enforcement operation at the restaurant 12 days ago.

Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik, however, stopped short of apologising for the racial slur “Tutup kedai, balik India”, he is alleged to have made against Syed Kassali Mohamed Aliyar.

“I apologise for my rough behaviour when I seized the items from his restaurant and any remark that I had made that has offended him, his family, his friends or the Indian Muslim community,” The Star quoted Ng, as saying.

“However, I maintain that I did not utter the words and I hope all parties will accept my sincere apology,” he said.

Ng and Syed Kassali met at the restaurant in Macallum Street Ghaut and had a six-minute private meeting before shaking hands and holding a press conference in front of the restaurant.

Syed Kassali said he accepted Ng’s apology and considered the matter resolved. “I’m just a businessman and I believe this issue has dragged on for too long,” he said.

However, Syed Kassali maintained Ng uttered the words but as he does not have an audio or video recording, he would not pursue the matter. (ANI)