Harith Iskander apologises for misunderstood tweet about the Armed Forces
27 Dec – Harith Iskander recently released an apology after he questioned the role of the Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia – ATM) in helping the flood victims in several locations in Selangor.
On 25 December, the comedian posted a photo of his late father, Colonel Musa bin Mohamed, revealing that the latter was a member of the 6th Ranger Regiment who was also in service during the communist insurgency.
"I was raised in MINDEF. Think about it. Why would I insult the [Malaysian Armed Forces]? Some were offended by my tweet so I apologised because that was not my intention. When looking back at the tweet I admit that maybe my tweet was not clear enough," he said.
Harith stated that what he meant by his tweet was that he did not see the army during the time and at the places where he had gone to volunteer his assistance for four days - Shah Alam (Kg Baru Hicom/Taman Sri Muda), Banting and Hulu Langat.
"Residents and firefighters that I met there also confirmed with us that the ATM has not arrived yet (at that time) ... We were also asked to work with members of the Fire Department, NADMA, APM who were at the location. Moving in water was quite difficult and the propeller boat was stuck with floating garbage and also cars and motorcycles that are below the water level - to move 1km even took an hour... that's when I thought of amphibious vehicles belonging to the Army," he explained.
Harith stressed that he has a great respect for the Armed Forces as they have cooperated before during the floods in Kelantan last year.
As for his alleged conflict with SHIRO's Shahrul, the latter who previously criticised Harith for his tweet, the comedian said that the two of them have talked and made up.
"We respect each other and will focus on doing charity work together," he added.
Harith angered many a few days ago after he took to social media and wrote, "Four days and nights on ground zero in Shah Alam, Banting, Hulu Langat. I haven't seen any Armed Forces around. Are they only allowed to jump in when this natural disaster is declared a State of Emergency? An amphibian military vehicle would be very useful in saving lives in Taman Sri Muda."
(Photo Source: Harith Iskander Instagram)
