KUALA LUMPUR // A Malaysian lawmaker has apologised for a tweet praising Adolf Hitler following Germany’s World Cup win over Brazil.
Prime Minister Najib Razak rebuked the politician for his “unacceptable” statement.
Bung Mokhtar Radin, who is with Mr Najib’s ruling United Malays National Organisation, congratulated Germany on Wednesday by posting on Twitter, “Well done... Bravo... Long Live Hitler”.
Mr Najib condemned Mr Bung’s comments as “unacceptable and wrong” in a statement on Thursday and ordered him to withdraw them.
“He does not speak for Malaysia, or for ordinary Malaysians, who understand Europe’s tragic past, and respect its modern unity,” Mr Najib said.
“This should be a time of celebration for Germany,” he added, wishing Germany “all the best” in the final against Argentina on Sunday.
Mr Bung also tweeted an apology on Thursday after defending his remarks earlier amid criticism.
“When Germany whacked Brazil, I unintentionally said something that hurt d feeling of d ppl in Germany. MY SINCEREST APPOLOGY. LONG LIVE BUNG..” he posted.
Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1, dealing the host nation the worst semi-final defeat in World Cup history.
Germany’s ambassador to Malaysia, Holger Michael, said on Wednesday that the embassy rejected the comments.
In a statement, the German ambassador said: “While we appreciate the admiration for the German football team, we strongly reject the unacceptable allusion to the fascist regime of Adolf Hitler”.
Mr Bung is a controversial politician in Malaysia, frequently drawing condemnation from women’s groups and rights activists in the past for statements deemed offensive and insensitive.
* Agence France-Presse
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre, six-cylinder
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 395bhp
Torque: 420Nm
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Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
