Apology Over Kris Won't Derogate Malay Dignity, Says Najib - Bernama

PEKAN, April 26 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein's apology over the "kris issue" will not derogate from the Malays' dignity because kris is a mere symbol, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said on Saturday.

The dignity of the Malays would only remain redeemed if they were successful in strategic fields to continue to compete with other races, said the deputy prime minister who is also Umno deputy president.

"I hope the issue will not crop up again. Datuk Seri Hishammuddin has done a very solicitious and noble act, meaning he is ready to seek apology though some people say it was not his intention to declare war or has a conviction in any racist move," he told reporters here today.

He was commenting on the Umno Youth head's apology for drawing and kissing a kris at the last Umno Youth assembly which was said to be among the factors to Barisan Nasional's dismal performance in last month's general election.

Najib said: "Kris is a weapon in the context of our culture, not more than that. But because there are people playing up the issue, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin's move, I hope, will be accepted as something positive, sincere and noble so that the issue will not crop up again."

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