IPOH: Perak Pas Commissioner, Razman Zakaria, has issued a public apology to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, regarding the controversy surrounding an assembly at the Menara Condong, Teluk Intan held last October.

In a statement, Razman acknowledged that the Perak Pas press release dated Oct 25, titled "Investigate Provocative Actions" published via Perak Pas' Facebook page, was based on confusion between information sources about two different events.

He said upon further review of the information, it was found that Nga was not present at the program that sparked the controversy and in line with this, the press release was retracted to meet the conditions of the apology offered to Nga.

"I would like to explain several matters in making this apology to Nga Kor Ming. The press release in question was based on confusion regarding two different events.

"One was a program officiated by Nga on Sept 13, 2024, and another was on Oct 24, 2024, involving the incident of waving China's national flag.

"In relation to this, I am issuing a statement as demanded and prepared by Nga's side as an expression of my apology and regret for the media statement that resulted from the confusion in the information received," Razman said in a statement published on Perak Pas' Facebook page today.

Razman admitted that the Oct 25 media statement implied and was understood to mean that Nga was involved in the controversial assembly and had a hand in organising the gathering where the national emblem of a foreign country was displayed.

He also acknowledged that the statement suggested Nga endorsed the organisation of an assembly where a foreign national emblem was displayed and colluded with the participants and organisers of the assembly.

"I realise that the media statement also implied and was understood to mean that Nga was involved in organising an illegal assembly that challenged Malaysia's sovereignty and harmony.

"Also endorsed an illegal assembly that challenged Malaysia's sovereignty and harmony, colluded with the participants and organisers, committed acts that undermined Malaysia's sovereignty and harmony, and incited the anger of Malaysians.

"Additionally, it portrayed him as someone disloyal to Malaysia, and who failed to preserve, protect, and defend the country's sovereignty. I admit that these accusations are untrue and entirely baseless.

"I unreservedly apologise to YB Nga Kor Ming for all the suffering and embarrassment caused to him due to these accusations," he said.

Razman also stated that the media statement had been withdrawn, and he pledged not to make similar allegations against Nga in the future.

Previously, the media reported that Nga intended to take civil action against Razman for allegedly defaming him regarding the parade that went viral involving the incident of waving China's flag at Dataran Menara Condong Teluk Intan last October.

The World Guan Gong Festival held in Teluk Intan in October included a religious-themed parade and floats, which went viral when several videos showed individuals waving China's flag near Dataran Menara Condong Teluk Intan while cheering.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/12/1147016/perak-pas-apologises-nga-over-china-flag-controversy