M'sian show may drop Najip Ali over PM Najib jibes
Singaporean comedian Najip Ali may be axed as a judge on popular Malaysian TV show Maharaja Lawak Mega, following an uproar over "offensive" remarks he made about Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Mediacorp Channel 5's live comedy show OK Chope!.
This was reported by Utusan Online, citing sources.
Cable channel Astro, which airs Maharaja Lawak Mega, a reality competition for comedians, would not confirm the news.
When contacted by The Straits Times yesterday, Mr Raqim Ahmad, Astro's head of Malay entertainment, said: "At the moment, we will not be commenting. We have advised the media to attend Maharaja Lawak Mega to find out more."
The reality show also airs live in Singapore on cable TV channel Astro Warna (StarHub TV Channel 118) on Fridays at 10pm.
Najip, 50, in response to The Straits Times' queries, expressed his remorse and apologies in a statement released through Mediacorp.
"In hindsight, our comments were in poor taste and offensive. Those of us who participated in the show regret the episode and are truly sorry to those we have let down."
The Malaysian media reported that viewers there were offended by comments made on March 29's episode of OK Chope!, during which a panel of comedians gave impromptu humorous takes on current affairs.
Mediacorp has apologised for "offensive" references to Mr Najib and pulled the episode from repeat telecast.
Malaysia's Foreign Ministry has taken note of the apology made by Mediacorp and Najip, according to Malaysian news agency Bernama.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
