Aisyah Tajuddin, who is presently in the middle of a blasphemy investigation mess over her comments in the viral “hudud video,” has come out to tender an apology.
The embattled reporter of Malaysian business radio station BFM 89.9 is apologising for both her “tone and demeanour in the video,” as she asks the public to forgive her. She is stating that her intentions were never to mock religion, but rather to question the priorities of the PAS-led Kelantan state government.
“The video was about politics, the words and actions of politicians; it was certainly not about the religion. I wish to take this opportunity to apologise for both my tone and demeanour in the video,” she was quoted saying in an online publication of The Star.
“I realise that many took offence. For that, I am truly sorry. I would never, under any circumstance, insult or condemn any religion, let alone my own,” she added.
The infamous two minute video which got several irate viewers questioning her faith and calling for her to be raped and burnt to death, was posted on Thursday, and it, Tajuddin strongly criticised the Kelantan state legislative assembly for passing amendments to the state Syariah Criminal Code II 1993.
The video titled “Hudud Isi Periuk Nasi” which was posted on YouTube, has since been taken down by BFM following the widespread controversy that brewed following its publication.
The BFM Media (in collaboration with Projek Dialog) produced video was aimed at dishing “a satirical commentary” on whether the implementation of hudud should be the Kelantan government’s top priority. However, as it turns out, the production house and radio station got more than what they bargained for.
Tajuddin also used the opportunity to cry out that a lot of death and rape threats have been channeled towards her, her immediate family, friends and colleagues in the wake of the frenzy that the viral video, which received drew at least 6,000 views and a couple hundreds of disparaging comments, had birthed. “It has been incredibly upsetting. Feeling this vulnerable about my safety and security is an uncomfortable experience and one that is out of character of the Malaysia I know,” she said.
Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, has stepped into the matter seeking to track down those who had threatened Tajuddin with rape and murder, as well as investigate the radio presenter and all involved parties for sedition.
STAR : IGP Khalid: Hudud video "pokes fun at Islam": PUTRAJAYA: BFM journalist Aisyah Tajudin could face… http://t.co/pmZDj3MOTA #news
— Sabah Maju Jaya (@sabahmajujaya) March 22, 2015
“We have decided to call up the producers of the show and the presenter because the station had explained that Tajuddin was merely reading a prepared script after making an apology for the video,” the Police Chief said in a Malaysian Insider report.