ALOR STAR: Mada Corp chief executive officer Abdullah Ismail, who was caught in a viral clip ignoring a handshake with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, has issued an apology over the incident today.
Abdullah acknowledged his mistake, expressing regret over the misunderstanding over the matter.
For the record, Mada Corp, a subsidiary of the Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada), is under the purview of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
Abdullah also provided his side of the story and said that he had already shaken hands with Mohamad when the minister exited his car upon arriving for the work visit.
"I then accompanied the minister as he greeted other officials.
"When he extended his hand to me a second time, I was stunned as I had already greeted him earlier and it was my mistake for not shaking hands with him for the second time.
"I hereby humbly admit my mistake for not accepting the second handshake by the minister and I wish to apologise for the misunderstanding," he said in a statement today.
Abdullah hoped that his explanation and apology would be accepted by those who were offended by his actions.
Earlier, a clip showing Abdullah not shaking hands with Mohamad during the minister's working visit to Kedah on Monday sparked online outrage and drew criticism including Kedah Amanah.
Kedah Amanah expressed regret over the incident, saying that political differences should not affect mutual respect.
The party's communications director Firdaus Shater also called on Malaysians to stop cyberbullying Abdullah over the matter.