KUALA LUMPUR: Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor has apologised for his ‘slow learners go to UiTM’ remark on Sunday, which triggered widespread outrage.
He said he had no intention of denigrating anyone, and is sincerely sorry if his statement had hurt other’s feelings.
"I was giving a motivational speech to students. It is something I do because I want them to realise that the government which has been in power for the past 60 years has contributed many things that are taken for granted.
"The most important thing the government has provided is security... with this, we are able to do everything; earn a living, run businesses, (receive an) education and many more.
"That was my intention while I was speaking," he said during a joint press conference with Universiti Teknologi Mara's (UiTM) Alumni Association today at his office in Menara Dato' Onn.
The conference followed a private meeting between the minister, who is better known as "Ku Nan", and the association on the matter.
He thanked the association's president Datuk Mohd Zaini Hassan and the association’s members for accepting his apology.
Ku Nan added that he did not anticipate that certain quarters would use his remarks against him, and take advantage of the situation to strain his relationship with UiTM’s alumni and students.
"My family and I have benefited a lot from UiTM. It is an institution which was developed to help the Malays and Bumiputera.
"I realise and know that sometimes, I may say the wrong things. I need to be more careful," he said, adding that the issue could be laid to rest now.
Ku Nan had made his controversial remarks while delivering a speech at the Majlis Anugerah Nadi Negara 2017 on Sunday.
He reportedly made the remarks to underscore the fact that many students are not grateful for Umno's contributions to the country and the privileges they enjoy today.