Malaysian student apologises for controversial YouTube video
By Channel NewsAsis's Malaysia Correspondent Melissa Goh | Posted: 14 August 2007 1959 hrs

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KUALA LUMPUR : A Malaysian student who produced a controversial national anthem video clip has openly apologised to his fellow citizens through his father.

The clip sparked an outcry from the country's predominantly Muslim community after it was posted on the video sharing website YouTube.

Angry Malaysians said the video by NameWee mocked Malaysia's anthem and official religion Islam.

The clip has received more than 820,000 hits since its posting a month ago.

The student's real name is Wee Meng Chee.

He is pursuing a mass communications degree in a Taipei university.

His father has apologised for his son's actions, saying NameWee had no ill intentions.

"I hope this episode will come to an end. I beg the government, all respected ministers as well as various ethnic groups, in particular the Muslim community, for their understanding. Please give my son a chance," said Wee An See, father of Wee Meng Chee.

Malaysian police have said it's not within their jurisdiction to take action against NameWee as he committed the act abroad.

However, some Muslim leaders have urged the government to strip him of his citizenship.

A Malaysian leader has however urged the public not to over-react.

"I think we should accept in good faith his sincerity, but more so, we must bear in mind that this is a young man who has not even finished his tertiary education, and we should not pass harsh judgements," said Malaysian Health Minister Chua Soi Lek. - CNA /ls