"DAP congratulates MCA's success in getting Wee (Meng Chee) to back down and submit to Umno's demands by apologising for his rap video."

Those were the sarcastic words spelled out from the lips of DAP Secretary General Lim Guan Eng in a press conference held at the party's headquarters today.

In reaction to Wee's apology over the Negarakuku controversy, DAP leaders slammed MCA and Umno for "demonstrating the extreme lengths and absurd levels that they would go to curb online dissent, stifle diverse views and silence youthful voice."

After two weeks of threats from Umno politicians, Wee yesterday issued an open apology to those who were offended by his work.

MCA vice president Dr Chua Soi Lek had arranged for Wee's apology and used the party as a mediator between Wee and the authorities.

"We understand fully the apology by Wee in view of tremendous pressure exerted on him that is almost inhumane." Lim said.

Wee, also known as Namawee, struck the nations nerve with his Negarakuku rap broadcasted on a video sharing website, YouTube .

The Negarakuku song was an own composition where he expressed his views on the Malaysian political situation through his lyrics and 'rapped' over the national anthem.

After the apology, Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin had asked all Malaysians to accept it and forgive Wee for his ignorance.

Zainuddin also rapped DAP for attempting to gain a political milage out of this issue by standing firmly behind Wee while he was under attack from Umno leaders.

Will Umno apologise?

Lim today questioned the rampant hypocrisy in the ruling coalition in dealing with this matter.

"Having obediently complied with Umno's demands, can MCA demand that Umno leaders such as Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein to apologize for brandishing his keris and leading Umno Youth delegates in threatening to harm the Chinese community?"

Lim further cited Umno Information Chief Muhammad Muhd Taib as another example.

"Will MCA demand a full withdrawal and apology from him for inciting the recurrence of racial riots on a scale not seen since May 13, 1969 if no action is taken against those who touch on racial and religious sensitivities via the Internet such as Wee?"

Citing on the recent demands made by the former Selangor chief minister on revocation of ones citizenship if he or she is considered to be a traitor, Lim questioned the double standard practised in Umno.

"To call someone a traitor because you disagree with the views expressed and thus his citizenship should be revoked is most extreme, irresponsible and contrary to the spirit of freedom when we are celebrating our 50th Merdeka anniversary."

Lim also stressed that DAP had not backed Wee because they agreed with his statement but because of his right to exercise his freedom of expression.