KUALA LUMPUR: Manjoi assemblyman Hafez Sabri has apologised for a Facebook post about the security breach involving Sultan Nazrin MuizzuddinShah during Perak’s state-level National Day celebration, after it went viral and sparked criticism for alleged racial undertones.
The Pas leader said the post, which was made based on initial information, had been manipulated to appear racially charged.
“I followed the public debate over my viral post about the alleged attack on our beloved Sultan of Perak.
“For everyone’s information, the viral spread by irresponsible parties has been manipulated,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
He said that his initial reaction was out of fear for the Sultan’s safety.
“As a citizen who loves His Royal Highness, I felt worried and fearful for his safety, so I posted about it immediately because it involved a breach of security,” he said.
However, he said he quickly learned his source was inaccurate and made a correction.
“I corrected the original post within minutes.
“Unfortunately, irresponsible parties took screenshots of the initial post and circulated it, pushing a narrative as though I was playing up racial issues,” he said.
He said he had no intention of bringing up race or ethnicity but was concerned about tightening security around the Sultan.
“I realise that breaching security protocols cannot be defended regardless of the perpetrator’s skin colour.
“The malicious intent of these irresponsible parties is clear, as they chose to spread my initial post while ignoring the correction I made minutes later,” he said.
He claimed that some parties were attempting to stoke racial tension over the incident.
“Since yesterday, these irresponsible parties have been trying to play on racial unity by spinning narratives and making malicious assumptions about me,” he said.
Hafez said he welcomed open discussion on the matter and apologised for his mistake.
“I sincerely apologise for my error in this matter.
“As a human being, I am not free from mistakes,” he said.
He said a police report had been lodged over the manipulated screenshots of his Facebook post.
Yesterday, a woman dashed towards Sultan Nazrin during National Day celebration held at Ipoh City Hall.
His Royal Highness was unexpectedly approached by the person, who was later arrested.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
