PAS MP Apologises to PM Over Batik Comment, Acknowledges Mistake
SHAH ALAM: Kuala Terengganu Member of Parliament Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim has issued a public apology to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after mistakenly claiming that the batik shirt worn by the premier during the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) featured an Indonesian design.
The apology came after the PAS lawmaker received clarification from several batik entrepreneurs, including the producer of the shirt in question, Bujins Batik, a local Malaysian brand.
In a Facebook post, Ahmad Amzad admitted to the error, stating, “The owner of Bujins Batik clarified that it was their product. I will not defend my mistake. I was only made aware of it just now by my officer, as I was in transit from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu and had not followed the online response to the post.”
He promptly removed the earlier post in which he had criticized Anwar’s choice of attire, suggesting the prime minister should be more mindful in selecting outfits that reflect Malaysia’s cultural identity, particularly when presenting a significant national development plan in Parliament.
Ahmad Amzad had originally questioned the appropriateness of the batik shirt, alleging it bore an Indonesian design, and implied that it undermined efforts to promote Malaysian batik as a national heritage. However, the backlash from industry insiders prompted a swift retraction and clarification.
“To the Prime Minister, I apologize. My intention was merely to provide a viewpoint,” he wrote, adding that his concern stemmed from his regular engagement with local batik entrepreneurs in Terengganu, who often voice concerns about the future of Malaysia’s batik industry.
He concluded by expressing appreciation to those who had corrected him and reiterated that his remarks were made in good faith. “I apologize once again. Respectfully,” he said.
The incident has sparked renewed attention on the importance of promoting and accurately representing Malaysian cultural heritage, especially in national forums.