No legal action over slap incident, says director David Teo

Sulaiman Yassin speaks up over altercation in the presence of Prime Minister Najib Razak, saying he needed to teach director Teo a lesson in manners.

PETALING JAYA: Film and TV director David Teo says he will not be taking any legal action against actor/comedian Sulaiman Yassin who slapped him during the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) dialogue event in Seri Perdana, last night, Harian Metro reported.

The whole scene, like from a TV drama, unfolded in the presence of Prime Minister Najib Razak, who was hosting the dialogue with award-winning actor Rosyam Nor as the moderator.

“I was just asking Rosyam about his use of the round stage, and the focus he was giving to only those seated in front. I also wanted to ask the prime minister some questions.

“But all of a sudden, he (Sulaiman) rushed over and slapped me,” Teo was quoted as saying by the Bahasa Malaysia daily, adding that it was unexpected too because he did not know the actor-comedian personally.

“I will not be taking any legal action against Sulaiman and have also forgiven him for his actions,” he added.

Though both industry veterans later made up in front of Najib and Rosyam, shaking hands and apologising for their actions, Sulaiman seemed confident he was right in what he had done.

“I don’t think what I did was too extreme because it was done to teach him some manners. I did it mainly because we were in the presence of our leader who was hosting the event.

“I have no regrets as David’s attitude was disrespectful towards the prime minister and Rosyam Nor as the moderator. As Malaysians, we should demonstrate better manners and respect,” Sulaiman, who is better known as Mat Over, told Harian Metro.

Rosyam, who is a director and actor, said he was embarrassed over the incident and had apologised to Najib as well.

The event continued after the temporary halt due to the altercation, and at the end of the dialogue session, the two men were brought into the hall again, where they apologised to the prime minister.

A video of the incident has also gone viral on social media. -FMT


David Teo kena tampar depan Najib oleh kinitv