Najib uses Teo, Mat Over as examples to push for unity
This is after the actor and film producer are seen sitting side by side during the prime minister’s national address on the state of the economy.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Najib Razak tonight made use of the “slap incident” between film producer David Teo and actor Sulaiman Yassin, also known as Mat Over, to drive home his message of peace and unity among Malaysians.
Noting that both men were seated together during his national address on the state of the economy at UiTM in Shah Alam tonight, Najib said this was what he wanted as prime minister.
“In front of me, I see Mat Over and David Teo sitting together.
“This is good. This is what I want as prime minister and this is what the government wants. I want to see the people united. Only then can Malaysia succeed.”
Teo and Sulaiman made headlines last week when the actor slapped the Metrowealth Pictures CEO at a National Transformation 2050 (TN50) dialogue in Putrajaya attended by Najib.
At the event on May 17, Teo had taken the microphone to criticise the session’s moderator, Rosyam Nor, for allegedly overlooking those seated at the back when it came to taking questions or suggestions.
Sulaiman quickly walked up to him and slapped him, claiming Teo was showing disrespect to the prime minister.
Security officials subsequently escorted both men from the venue, a hall at Seri Perdana.
Several Malay NGOs have called for Teo to issue a public apology, accusing him of rude behaviour in the presence of Najib.
Several parties have also called on the police to take criminal action against Sulaiman, who has reportedly said he does not regret what he did.
The Television Producers Association of Malaysia (PTVM), of which Teo is a member, went to the extent of tendering a public apology on his behalf on May 19.
On May 22, Kuala Lumpur police criminal investigation department chief Rusdi Mohd Isa said both Sulaiman and Teo would be called in for questioning.
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The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.