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(The Malaysian Insider) KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — It’s over. The single act which alienated many Malaysians and was responsible for driving many Chinese and Indians into the clutches of the Opposition will not be repeated. Umno Youth chief Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein today cut his losses and apologised for the keris waving act which he introduced as an opening gambit at the Umno assembly three years ago.

His colleagues in the Barisan Nasional Youth were surprised when he broached the subject of the keris during their closed-door meeting. He said that it was time he offered Malaysians an apology over the act which was criticised as a saber-rattling and threatening gesture towards non-Malays.

Otherwise, it would be difficult to move on politically, he said. Officially, he will have to get the support of the Umno Youth exco before canning the keris act but in reality that is just a formality for a politician who commands a strong grip on the wing.

Some of his party men will view his apology as a climb down in the face of external pressure but the majority of them will understand his gesture. They too have been complaining behind his back on the silliness of persisting with an act which has cost them dearly at the polls.

His friends from MCA, MIC, Gerakan and other component parties of the BN were pleased with Hishammuddin’s apology. At a press conference after the meeting, the Education Minister said that he was sorry if his keris waving action had affected non-Malays. For good measure, he also said sorry to the Malays.

"I would also like to apologise to the Malays over my failure to uphold the Malay symbol," he said. He was recently taken to task by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for spooking non-Malays in the country.

His friends say that the results of Election 2008 and the swing of the non-Malay vote to Pakatan Rakyat stunned him. His soul-searching led him to the unmistakable conclusion that his keris waving act had been a major factor in the defeat of many of his friends in BN.

This was especially so in Penang where the DAP effectively caricatured him as a chauvinist and Malay ultra. Posters of him clenching the keris were placed in strategic places around the island.

For Hishammuddin, the apology is a must if he harbours any hope of rising to the top of the political ladder. Several years ago, he was seen widely as the man who would one day become the prime minister of Malaysia. The man who would carry on the legacy of his grandfather and father – Onn Jaafar and Tun Hussein Onn, both men who were revered for their sense of fairness and belief that Malaysia belonged to all races.

In the last two years, even his Chinese businessmen friends have been wondering whether he had crossed over to the dark side and become a Malay nationalist. Today’s apology is the first step by him to try and rehabilitate his image and re-launch his political career.

Comments (90)

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written by dreadloxking, April 25, 2008 | 22:21:57

Akhirnya hang insaf juga Krismuddin Alhamdulillah!

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written by DanDan, April 25, 2008 | 22:28:13

Nasi sudah jadi bubur!

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written by HJ Angus, April 25, 2008 | 22:30:34

We can accept his apology if it is sincere.
Part of his learning process.

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written by Hope4all, April 25, 2008 | 22:30:44

Hisham,

You're a very long way from emulating your grandfather and your father. Your grandfather stood by his principle to allow non-Malays into UMNO despite the fact that the action cost him politically. So was your dad, a man of principle. He never rejoined UMNO together with Tunku.

As for you, you have grown tangent from both of them over the years and decades in politics, I just wonder how you'll ever return to leading based on a fixed set of ideals and principles even at the cost of popularity.

Before you even think of building your political asset after this apology, you should maybe first reflect how much more your political asset would be today if you had started and continued based on what your grandfather and father had sacrificed.

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written by rajaphillips, April 25, 2008 | 22:37:17

This idiot is not his father's son

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written by Mike lawood, April 25, 2008 | 22:37:36

Hishamudin talk COCK...
Now, do you still want that KUNGFU sword from MCA???
You still display a TONGKAT ALI root resemble a KRIS
at your office. COWARD... Berani tunjuk bila KJ ada.
Sekarang KJ dah hilang, suruh dia jilat pun dia JILAT
asalkan ada kerusi sebagai menteri. Dah tak lama dah.

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written by frankcode, April 25, 2008 | 22:37:36

an apology in a closed door meeting means an apology to the selected few within BN...what about the rest of Malaysians domestically and overseas...Just as you publicly waived your Keris which was splashed all over major newspaper headlines and TV..do the same with your apology....not only u waived it once but arrogantly repeated it again ...a simple apology amongst the few in BN will not do justice at all

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written by HamChak, April 25, 2008 | 22:37:39

No lah, Krisimuddin,
Your Kris waving did not frighten the non Malays
at all. We are waiting for you to use it only.
But you got no guts to use it, ma.

Aiya, you HalfPastSix Menteri.
Where is your brain ahh?

Took you so Long to realise your Stupid Mistake.
If I am the PM, I already throw you into the JAIL lor.
Better you resign, ma.
You not fit to be Menteri.
Also you look very STUPID in the world lah.

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written by tsai68, April 25, 2008 | 22:39:19

hahahahaha...at last....( might be too late - damage already done ) and is this apology sincere ?????
pse read
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/81956

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written by Nirmala, April 25, 2008 | 22:41:09

Jojo: Its just a little too late
A little too long
And I cant wait
You knew all the right things to say
You know its a little too late

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Votes: +39

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written by Lothar, April 25, 2008 | 22:44:19

Hooray ! keris waving Krishamuddin finally tucked his keris onto his sarong......Fortunately, it has not self-stabbed his stomach for good. Politically he survived, lest that very same keris would have ended up your political career....but it's too late now. well it's now or never.

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written by Chaptokam, April 25, 2008 | 22:44:48

Hey Kerismuddin ,

Your apology not accepted . Your friends Got executed by the Rakyat for your arrogance and STUPIDITY . We prefer the Perlis delegate who uttered seditious word to resign from BN .

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written by malaysia4malaysian, April 25, 2008 | 22:45:58

Its too late now Mr keris waivingmudin. An apology is not enough, its mere talk cock. The rakyat dont want B.Najis anymore.

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written by qwerty, April 25, 2008 | 22:48:23

Come on-lah... I am looking forward to you waving the keris again.
Everytime you wave it you are actually driving a nail into BN's coffin.
You've waved it 3 times. That equals 3 nails, still one more nail short to complete the job!
What a killjoy!

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written by BennyG, April 25, 2008 | 22:50:47

An apology when forced is never sincere.

An apology so that kerismuddin can move up the political ladder is even more insincere.

An apology while telling the Malay that he could not no longer defend Malay rights is totally insincere!!!

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written by BennyG, April 25, 2008 | 22:51:23

By the way, apology not accepted!!!

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written by MasterYoda, April 25, 2008 | 22:51:25

the Double Tongued Tdiot.

POEPLE Read CAREFULLY,

First he says sorry for spooking the non-Malay comunity.... then....

he says SORRY to the MALAYS for not lifting the MALAY symbol (Keris)

Actually, Hishammudin is trying to unload some bagagge, why?

1) the UMNO General assembly is coming.
2) he is moving out of UMNO YOUTH...so he is trying to shed his tarnished 'skin'
3) the Amibition of being PM one day (after NAJIB perhaps)
4) damage control in UMNO, so that Tun Mad wont lash out at him.
5) let Khairy to burn by himself...
6) keeping all options open: badawi faction or Tun Mad faction or...a possible
jump ship (he can always do this by claming that his grandpapa wanted a Multi
Race party)...

So people, watch his stratigic moves from here on...

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written by tsai68, April 25, 2008 | 22:51:30

Recap from malaysiakini.com.my dd Apr 25,08 7:07 pm

breaking news updated 10.10pm He takes full responsibility for his actions but gives no guarantee that it will not be repeated during this year's Umno general assembly.MORE
A factor in BN setback
Bigger role for Sabah, Sarawak

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written by donplay, April 25, 2008 | 23:03:08

Crocodile Tears!!

A bit too late for us to trust him. If he had apologised last year, we could have accepted it. But to do so after the decimation to BN following GE 2008 results, and after being taken to task by PR?

No way. I will never vote for him as MP or PM or in any government post.

donplaypuks

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written by My2Sens, April 25, 2008 | 23:03:45

Begging your pardon but where is the apology? After reading the article I can not find an apology to Malaysians.

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written by Experienced, April 25, 2008 | 23:08:01

Pak Lah defended his actions. Has he sold Pak Lah. Secondly, he is not sure if he will show the keris again, that is if he is still in Govt. Cut out the hypocrisy. Educate and not use the keris. Should your teachers, especailly discipline teachers show kerises? You are not dealing with children, but with adults of the country, when you draw the keris. Grow up.

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written by humanist, April 25, 2008 | 23:10:23

He used to say, Chinese can also wave sword.

When Chinese Malaysian waved sword, they won medals and applauds even from China in Wushu game , Yup, they did very well for overall Malaysia reputation ,friendship and sportsmanship , unlike this joker, behaving like gangters

Al

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written by hiro, April 25, 2008 | 23:14:15

Rehabilitated? They are all politicians for goodness sake. Even samy Velu can turn back into a virgin.

Sure Malaysians will give him a chance. In another 10 years perhaps. For now, I urge him to get out of public sight.

And it is yet another blow for MCA. Didn't they say before that they accepted his explanation? they should have been freakin consistent by saying so again - here and now - instead they are applauding his apology - really, still dog on leash

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written by Bawal, April 25, 2008 | 23:18:49

too little, too late.. this is what happens when a leader is given the role because of his roots rather than his merits. you were given the Ketua Pemuda Bahagian on a silver platter. You dont even have to fight for your positions.

You dont even know how to be a malay because you grew outside of the malay community. How is it you have the balls to wave the keris. Maybe, your grandfather and your father can but NOT YOU.

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written by sjeevan, April 25, 2008 | 23:19:32

Even though Mr. Hishammuddin's apology came in too late, his honourable action is commendable. He must realise the kris issue has irked a worldwide audience unknown to many Malaysians for lack of free press. This is the beginning of a new era in UMNO Youth. Please show to everyone you are sincere. Please bringforth other perpetrators among your organization leaders whose actions have been racialistic and provoking and nearly divided the multi racial make-up of Malaysia. One such example is the action of Mr. Abdul Aziz Sheikh Fadzir who threatened to raze the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall to the ground in 2000. He has been punished by non-malay voters in the recent GE. He too should come out in the open and apologize for he was one of the leaders of the youth movement.

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written by ONGJJJ, April 25, 2008 | 23:20:39

Actually we should thank him for his stupid keris stunt. Why? Well, it was the tipping point for the Rakyat to realise that race-based politic is out of vogue, and take the first step to democratic maturity, regardless of race, language or religion. His apology sincere or otherwise is of no relevance, but we will accept it regardless being a gracious and forgiving Rakyat. A fully mature democratic society means a gracious society. We are better men than him and his gang.

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written by zonefinder, April 25, 2008 | 23:36:12

Hisham for Pakatan Rakyat Man of the Year award! His stupid act was one of the main reasons why our beloved country now has a future. We should show our gratitude to him by awarding him a keris...

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written by KKchan, April 25, 2008 | 23:38:48

Whither Ketuanan Melayu Datuk Seri? I remember very well how you linked the keris and the concept of Ketuanan Melayu. And now you aplogise for championing the concept? Are you principled? Or you sway with the wind. Would you have offered the apology if BN still had the 2/3 majority? Unlikely. You would be brandishing 2 kerises! Do you remember you said you had nothing to apologise for? Selective amnesia?

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written by Jan, April 25, 2008 | 23:41:24

Since Kerismuddin is leaving UMNO Youth I hope his successor whoever he is will continue waving the keris. It's a very effective PR exercise for Pakatan Rakyat.

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written by binarytan, April 25, 2008 | 23:42:58

Hisham apologized but he never made a full apology, still say he cannot guarantee there is no repeat incident?

Apology must be sincere, not BN type which is not accepted. They must learn how to bow.

Then, better dun apologize and let PR wack you harder next election.

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written by Jan, April 25, 2008 | 23:43:38

I got a feeling DAP people will sorely miss your keris waving acts. They will have one item less to say in their ceramahs.

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written by BennyG, April 25, 2008 | 23:56:14

It sounds like an apology, it looks like an apology, it is not an apology.

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written by chanatak, April 26, 2008 | 00:01:16

His friends from MCA, MIC, Gerakan and other component parties of the BN were pleased with Hishammuddin’s apology.

Oh my. Now what has MCA and Gerakan, and even less MIC got to be pleased about over this apology? Those 3 slave-dogs did nothing at all when the issue first exploded. There was hardly a whimper then

After the election loss, he continued to obstinately deny the offence he caused ... causing even more offence. This belated apology came about not because of any MCA, Gerakan or MIC whimpering thereafter. It is the rakyat's relentless criticisms that has caused him to back down.

Even now, the rakyat does not have reason yet to believe he is sincere about the whole thing. Why? The belated apology speaks volumes. If UMNO still wants to support this loser, they are entitled to do so. It will simply hasten the fall of UMNO, that's what the rakyat is waiting to see.

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written by calafare, April 26, 2008 | 00:03:43

I don't see any apology! Another of his cheap political ploy.Doesn't he realise that we rakyat aren't that naive or blur that we can't read him like a book!His father and grandfather are probably turning in their graves watching his antics! Shame on him!! Resign if you are Man!!

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written by orangmsia, April 26, 2008 | 00:04:26

Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein today apologised for raising the keris "if it had affected the non-Malays".

He said that he took full responsibility for his actions but gave no guarantee that he would not repeat the keris-waving again during this year's Umno annual general assembly.

He will wave the keris again anytime

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written by Areka, April 26, 2008 | 00:04:47

Aiyo, Krismuddin, why apologize? You really let Malaysians downlah.

We thought of presenting you a brand new Keris for you to use at the coming UMNO GE so that you will have to honour to nail the final nail into the UMNO coffin.

So how now ?

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written by malgal, April 26, 2008 | 00:06:35

does it have to take a tsunami election to make you swallow your keris?
when u waved it and threatened to mandi in non malay blood, you did not see the writing on the wall. you helped write it lah. so if bn had landslide victory, you would continue to plunge the keris into the rakyat's hapless bodies ka? now slink away into your corner and lick your wounds.

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written by temenggong, April 26, 2008 | 00:08:25

Unfortunately its too late for an apology.

Hisam should simply resign, migrate oversea with his whole family, perhaps as an ambassador, and NEVER come back. This is the best he can do for the malays. The Onn/Hussein/Hisam name should never be heard again in this nusantara.

My guess is, he will not do what is best for the malays.

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written by The Truth Seeker, April 26, 2008 | 00:13:35

hisham should go anh his greedy father in law should resigned from ING

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written by sickofitall, April 26, 2008 | 00:17:44

it is over!! Charge the guy who asked Hisham to bathe it in blood with sedition, then we'll consider it over. what hisham did is just NOT enough!

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written by Negarakuku, April 26, 2008 | 00:17:58

"Hishammuddin apologises for his keris waving but gave no guarantees that he would not repeat the keris-waving again during this year’s Umno annual general assembly."

Wayang and Sandiwara, what is the different????

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written by omarkhayyam, April 26, 2008 | 00:22:12

he must be peeing in his pants knowing the damaged he created

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written by EvilWolf, April 26, 2008 | 00:27:30

Hishammuddin Hussein -> The exalted virtues of your grand-father is neither in you nor your equally politically corrupt cousin. This apology comes a few years too late. The damage has been done. The both of you are a disgrace to your family heirloom.

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written by sickofitall, April 26, 2008 | 00:28:07

"He takes full responsibility for his actions but gives no guarantee that it will not be repeated during this year's Umno general assembly..."

Li9ke this mana boleh...? take what cow-dung responsibility? bull shit!

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written by SHABERY, April 26, 2008 | 00:28:25

Otherwise, it would be difficult to move on politically, he said. Officially, he will have to get the support of the Umno Youth exco before canning the keris act but in reality that is just a formality for a politician who commands a strong grip on the wing.

Hisham, if you are truly sorry, RESIGN!!!
Show what you are made of!!!

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written by fireduck, April 26, 2008 | 00:32:57

For Hishammuddin, the apology is a must if he harbours any hope of rising to the top of the political ladder

THIS is the reason for this so-called apology. Not sincere. Never was, never is. Just trying to lighten the baggage, that's all.

You can fool some of the people some of the time, but not all the people all the time.

And guys, don't forget his cousin who did similar threats during his tenure as UMNO Youth Chief .... and he's now on the brink of the PM-ship. So how?

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written by ekayjay, April 26, 2008 | 00:36:33

ho brader - too late. don't hope malaysians will ever forget your insolence not your arrogance. UMNO putras may forgive you - but not the others.
good bye to your political career.

cheers.

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written by FFT, April 26, 2008 | 00:36:50

Apology NOT accepted.

You can sod off!

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written by uncleleow, April 26, 2008 | 00:41:17

You apology is so hollow. You have no heart to it. Rakyat Malaysia will never except it. Only dogs like MCA, Gerakan and MIC accept your show acting. By the way next time you want to make a statement hold a C4.

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written by Angela Ooi, April 26, 2008 | 00:47:43

Puny apology from puny, jagoh kampong leader. To add insult to injury, it does not even seem sincere. What the heck Kerispuddin, please, please wave it again and again so the non Malays will know where they stand in this country and PR won't even have to campaign the next elections

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written by Leroycharlie, April 26, 2008 | 00:54:10

Now it is that guy's turn who wanted to soak the kris in Chinese blood!

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written by StevenO, April 26, 2008 | 00:54:17

Hahaha....Okay, now that you've apologised, let's call it even. No hard feeling, promise!!!

But in future, if you want our votes, you will have to lick our boots, carry our balls and so on. Need to know for sure that it's not a political gimmick! Need to know if you are sincere or not lah!

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written by RitchieLow, April 26, 2008 | 01:02:11

A quote by a more enlightened Malaysian, more grown up than all these so called "public office bearers" put together.

“It angers me when after hundreds of years of importing aspects of other people’s culture some politician in a 4,000-ringgit Italian suit complains about Western values and such-and-such a thing is not from our culture.
Our culture is everybody else’s culture. We’ve never had our own. Deal with it and grow up."

- Huzir Sulaiman, Notes on Life & Love & Painting (1999)

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written by Daryl, April 26, 2008 | 01:06:27

Finally, one by one they wake up. We can forgive him but we must not forget the act he performed. So, yes he is forgiven but no we cannot forget and he shall not be one of the leader mark for the future.
There will be better leaders that don't carry much baggage.

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written by wood, April 26, 2008 | 01:06:53

It was worse than watching a horror movie ! How many people can recall the nightmare after some years watching a horror movie ? This 'one show' beats all!

This one still gives me the nightmare or creeps !

Thanks for trying anyway.

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written by LJN, April 26, 2008 | 01:47:09

The opening of this article says, "It's over." What? It's over??? No, no. no. It's ain't over till it's really over. Most Malaysians say, sorry not accepted. This glaringly ugly and boorish Hishamuddin guy will never ever climb the political ladder (Malaysians will see to that), and he should save the dignity of Malaysians by going away quietly to redeem himself out of the public eye. That image of his ugly face and holding the keris,is just so oh, ew, pukey!!!

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written by 4country, April 26, 2008 | 01:58:46

Sejarah silam telah membuktikan hakikat kesombangan dan tunjuk kuasa mutlak, Hisappudding meminta maaf sekadar berwayang dan tidak ikhlas.

menurut laporan Kwong Wah Yit Poh,
Hisappudding mengatakan"KALAU perbuatan mengangkat keris merunsingkan sesetengah pihak, terutamanya kaum bukan melayu, beliau sudi meminta ampun dan bertanggungjawab atasan tindakan beliau"


cuba baca perkataan pertama "KALAU", ini bererti beliau hanya mengaku kesalahan dan meminta maaf JIKA dia sedar dia bersalah.TAPI, kenyataan ialah dia bukan meminta maaf, sekadar membuat andaian minta ampun!

Kalau nak minta ampun, SILA BUAT KETERANGAN "Saya bersalah, saya meminta maaf daripada semua rakyat malaysia, terutamanya kaum bukan melayu"!

Mulut besar suka menipu! tak bertelur!


His friends from MCA, MIC, Gerakan and other component parties of the BN were pleased with Hishammuddin’s apology.

Geng-geng ini sudah tak berguna, suka pegang telur aje! FxxK together better!

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Votes: +19

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written by AJM, April 26, 2008 | 02:08:10

hey orang semua!!! can't you people read between the lines! the issue is not hish-mudin keris apology, its the berKali-kali Moolah spin to show that the keris waiving is the "sole reason" for the BN PRU12 downturn when we all know its that Malaysians dah menyampah with Dolah, KJ and the 4th Floor Krwez. Aiyahhh, all so worked up with the keris-apology, thats chicken shit spin and wayang to divert your anger lah.

Nak marah hish-mudin, marahlah, but the bigger threat is from SIL.

Anyway, my 2 sen is better a late apology than never, SIL ada mintak maaf kat Malaysians kah for all the wang songlap??? hah, hah, you all thinklah...

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