Patrick Teoh in hot water over Facebook post

Actor and famous radio presenter Patrick Teoh lands himself in hot soup after a Facebook posting insensitive to Muslims.

PETALING JAYA: Actor and famous radio presenter Patrick Teoh landed himself in hot water today after a Facebook posting which has infuriated Muslims.

Teoh, who is also a blogger known for his crude language, posted the comment while reacting to the PAS-led Kedah state government’s statement on Jan 9 that officials and singers for the 1Malaysia Chinese New Year celebration, scheduled in Alor Setar on Feb 15, must be properly attired and were encouraged to perform motivational songs.

The state government also said it would shut down the programme if there was “extreme singing and dancing”.

Below is his Facebook posting posted yesterday:

“The 3rd most laughable statement discovered today…

The January 9 guidelines to the organisers of the 1 Malaysia Chinese New Year Celebration 2013 (by the PAS Kedah state government)… included, among other things, the appropriate attire for officials and singers. It also stated that performers are encouraged to sing motivational songs and that if extreme singing and dancing activities were to take place, the state government has the right to shut down the programme.

Encouraged to sing motivational songs!!! What kind of f**king motivation they want? Give up individuality and be sheep? Pray 5 times a day? Cover up all women? What???!!!

And while they are at it, please tell us what the f**k extreme singing and dancing is?

Quran-thumping mother f**kers!!!”

This comment has raised heckles among Muslims with many posting nasty replies.

However, about an hour ago Teoh apologised for the earlier comment.

His apology states:

‘Whoa!!!… whoa… whoa… I now realise what I did that was wrong and why it generated so much hate-mail. I had thought that the criticism came from my use of the phrase, “Quran-thumping m***** F*****…” I was wrong. It came from my reference to “Give up individuality and be sheep? Pray 5 times a day? Cover up all women?” which was totally out of line. It didn’t convey what I was trying to say in the post and came out like a bigoted selfish statement. For that I apologise sincerely to all Muslims. Minta maaf (Sorry). But I do not apologise for calling that person a…well you know what I mean. I hope.”

The apology which can be viewed on his facebook page.

He has also taken down the original post.

“On good advice I am taking down the offensive post immediately. I am doing this not because I am censoring myself but to avoid causing further hurt to my fellow Malaysians whom I respect. Thank you.,” he said in his Facebook page.

Although he has apologised, comments expressing anger continues to be posted on his Facebook page.

Barisan Nasional Youth chairman and Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin on his twitter account said that Teoh could have criticised the PAS government’s ruling without resorting to harsh comments against Muslims.

“Very harsh comments against Islam. Patrick Teoh could hv criticised PAS govt ruling without harsh comments against Muslims. Don’t stoop to his level pls.”

“I hope its not him. I don’t think that’s the real Patrick Teoh. That FB page may have an anonymous admin I think. It’s him. He apologised. Baru Kejap [just a while ago].”