Ismail apologises, time to mend fences

Minister regrets his remarks caused racial tension while MCA president calls for closure on the issue.

PETALING JAYA: After adamantly refusing to apologise over statements that were deemed racist in nature, Ismail Sabri Yaakob has finally expressed his regrets that so much racial tension has ensued because of it.

It was never my intention to cause tension and racial polarisation. My remarks were only directed at traders who continued to refuse to bring down the prices of goods regardless of their race, he was quoted by The Star Online as saying.

He also regretted that his comments had gone viral, leaving it open to misinterpretation and added, I regret that my remarks have caused uneasiness.

Showing his support for Ismail was MCA president Liow Tiong Lai who said it was now time to put the matter to rest and move on.

As my colleague, Datuk Seri Ismail has officially issued a statement of regret and as a member of the Cabinet, I take note of his statement of regret and hope that this matter is put to rest and we shall move on.

Liow said his party had stayed firm on the issue and that at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Ismail was instructed to take responsibility for urging Malays to boycott Chinese traders who refused to lower the prices of their goods.

The Cabinet agreed that the matter must be stopped immediately. Barisan Nasional will continue to defend and protect the interests of all races.

The Prime Minister wants all parties to concentrate on efforts to instil the spirit of national unity, Ismail Sabri added.

He also called on the public, angered though they were, to refrain from personally attacking members of his family over the statement he made.

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Ismail apologises, time to mend fences