PKR Youth has urged the authorities not to over react to a controversial rendition of the national anthem produced by a Johor-born university student in Taiwan.

While expressing regret that the author of the video had used several expletives and other negative elements, PKR Youth deputy chief Amirudin Shari said the message in the song must be viewed objectively.

"We urge that the matter be looked at in the proper context, instead of attacking and labelling him as a traitor and enemy of the state," Amirudin told a press conference today.

The five-and-a-half minute clip titled "Negarakuku" juxtaposes the national anthem "Negaraku" along with rap verses in Mandarin lampooning the Malaysian authorities with racial and religious tones.

The video, first distributed through popular video sharing website YouTube, has attracted nearly half a million viewers.

In reaction, Deputy Internal Security Minister Mohd Johari Baharom had called for police action against the author of the video, Wee Meng Chee, for sedition while Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the author had insulted the national anthem.

Oppressed youths

Subsequently, Wee had removed the video from YouTube citing undue pressure on his parents back home.

In his blog, Wee said the video was made in conjunction with the 50th Merdeka celebrations and it was his "gift" to the country.

"I'm simply reflecting the truth about our society through my music and I did not mean to offend anyone by producing such a video clip. I still love my country," he said.

Amirudin however said Wee's composition had raised numerous social issues which must be tackled and that it represents the voice of "oppressed" Malaysian youths.

"There are several issues raised in his lyrics that is a sign of the Malaysian youth's hopes for equality and justice in national policies.

"The aspersions raised against the police (in the lyrics) is something normal among Malaysians and this has been the case since 1998," added Amirudin.

PKR offers legal aid

He added that the religious elements raised in the song was another sign that uneasiness among the followers of different faiths was growing rampant and should be resolved through dialogue and understanding among different religious groups.

"These issues may be sensitive, but it doesn't mean that we cannot discuss them in a proper manner," said Amirudin when asked if he found the content of the video offensive.

He urged Wee to join PKR Youth which would give him a platform to raise his concerns.

Amirudin added that Batu Gajah PKR Youth would also be offering legal aid to Wee should he run into trouble with the authorities upon his return.

PKR treasurer William Leong who was at the press conference added that Wee had not strayed from the original national anthem in his composition.

"He didn't change the lyrics to Negaraku. It was just the background music to his story," said Leong.