Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today had filmmaker David Teo and comedian Sulaiman Yassin, better known as Mat Over, sit side-by-side during his national address on the state of the economy.

He used the duo to drive his message, emphasising that he wanted to see teamwork in building the nation instead of quarrels. 

Both men were involved in an altercation in front of the prime minister during a Transformasi Nasional 50 (TN50) dialogue last Wednesday.

"Ladies and gentleman, what the government and I do is for the interest of all the people, regardless of race or descent.

"So we do not want quarrels, we want everyone to get along, help one another, so that the country can be peaceful and prosperous.

"In front of me, it seems Mat Over is present so is Major David Teo, what more, they are seated together. It's better like this.

"As prime minister, this is what I want and the government wants to see the people united, only then Malaysia can succeed," he said in his address held at UiTM in Shah Alam.

Last Wednesday, Najib had hosted a TN50 dialogue at his official residence for the entertainment industry.

Teo had complained that the moderator neglected a section of the hall, prompting the moderator to tick off Teo not to be rude to the prime minister and telling him to ask his question.

Teo then proceeded to his question, starting with a poem, but was abruptly slapped by Mat Over, who accused the former of being rude to the prime minister.

A scuffle ensued, prompting the security personnel and members of the audience to separate the two who were then taken out of the hall.

Najib later asked both men to return and make amends by shaking hands.

When approached by the media after Najib's speech, Mat Over said he came to show the students that they can both make peace.

"That's a good example. We sat close to each other, sat side-by-side and ate on the same table," he said.

On whether it was a good example the way he defended Najib, he said journalists who ask such questions are asking for trouble.

"(You) don't have to say something like this, I don't want to comment. This is looking for trouble. David Teo and me are good. Don't say this, not good," he said.

Mat Over said Najib had told him not to do it again, adding that he and Teo have forgiven each other.

Asked about the police probe under Section 323 of Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, he said the cops have yet to contact him on the matter.

"Police never called me for questioning because I did not cause hurt. That incident was akin to a minor altercation in the football field.

"If we do not make peace with each other, then it is wrong," he said.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was seen cracking jokes with both Mat Over and Teo.