Malaysian singer and YouTuber Choo Haoren has apologised for playfully filming his friends during the national anthem at a public event.
However, Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh has called for severe action, labelling those involved as "traitors and fools."
Choo issued a public apology after a video of him recording his friends during the national anthem, Negaraku, at the 8TV Cuckoo Starfluencer Awards 2025 went viral, drawing widespread criticism.
In the clip, Choo was seen playfully filming his Steady Gang members, Ahya and Tomato.
At one point, he paused to ask a teammate to sing along. Many viewers condemned the act as disrespectful to the anthem.
Addressing the backlash in a statement posted on Aug 10, Choo admitted his behaviour was wrong.
He acknowledged that the act was inappropriate for the occasion and that he should have sung the anthem with solemnity.
“I deeply regret the discomfort that my immature behavior caused the public. I know the national anthem is not only a symbol of the country but also carries solemn historical significance and evokes emotional identification among all citizens.
“I promise that I will behave better and appropriately in all formal and public occasions in the future. I sincerely thank the public for their warning and understanding.
“Once again, I offer my sincerest apologies to all my friends who care about me for the inconvenience this incident has caused,” he said.
The apology, however, has not quelled calls for action.
Dr Akmal condemned the behaviour and urged for harsher penalties.
“Before this, the Malaysian flag was flown upside down. Now, the national anthem Negaraku is being mocked! They did it first, then only apologised afterwards!” he wrote on social media.
Dr Akmal stressed that the matter was not about race or political affiliation, but about respecting the country.
“We are calling for harsh punishment for traitors like this! And to those foolish enough to defend such actions, go ahead, defend this one too!
"Let us see what excuse you will come up with. Maybe you will say this person has no brain, just like you!”
He further urged that all those involved be punished regardless of their race or any political party backing them. – Sinar Daily
