After two weeks of threats from Umno politicians, controversial video author Wee Meng Chee today issued an open apology to those who were offended by his work.

Wee's music video ' Negarakuku ' which has attracted more than a million views on video sharing website YouTube earned the wrath of Umno for allegedly insulting Malays and Islam.

"Following this controversy, I would like to offer an explanation and openly apologise to all Malaysians who feel insulted and offended by my actions," said Wee in an emailed press statement in Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese.

"I would also like to urge all parties to stop posting racist comments (on the Internet) regarding this issue," added the 24-year-old mass communications student, who is popularly known as Namewee on the Internet.

Many websites and Malay media organisations have been heavily criticising Wee, who is currently studying in Taiwan. Some websites even had postings from individuals threatening to kill him and his family.

'Proud Malaysian'

Wee strongly denied certain media reports which alleged that his intention of composing the song was to bring disrepute to Malaysia and insult Islam.

"As a Malaysian, I understand the sensitivities of each ethnic group and religion in the country. Thus, I did not intend to insult the country or any religion. I also did not have the motive of fanning anti-government sentiments and racial feelings through my lyrics.

"Like other Malaysians, I swore to be loyal to the King and country... I grew up in Malaysia and had the opportunity to be educated and the freedom to develop my musical talent," he said.

"I have always been proud to be Malaysian and my loyalty to my country had never faded even now when I'm studying in Taiwan. It is my hope that I would return to serve my country after my graduation," added Wee, who hails from Muar, Johor.

Wee said he had learnt a "valuable lesson" on nationalism and ethnic relations from the controversy and urged other Internet users to stop distributing his video.

He had removed the video from his website and YouTube account on July 23 when the controversy erupted.

MCA: We accept

Wee's apology comes in the wake of threats by top ranking government officials calling for his imprisonment under the Internal Security Act and sedition laws.

Government critics however have viewed the attacks on Wee and bloggers as part of efforts to curb online dissent .

In another development, MCA vice president Chua Soi Lek said that he and his party had accepted Wee's apology and hoped that others would do the same too.

Chua, who is also the health minister, told this during a press conference in Putrajaya.

He also said that he had spoken to Wee for about 30 minutes this morning.

"I discovered that he had no ulterior motive to ridicule the national anthem or any religion, especially Islam," he said.

He also said that Wee was an "innocent and ignorant" youth who tought that he could become famous by adding to the lyrics of the national anthem.

"After listening to his version of the national anthem, I found that the song had no messages that the government was being unfair to the Chinese."

"I believe Wee has the freedom of expression. MCA can't direct anyone to write songs to praise the government," he added.

Contacted later, Chua's aide said the Muar MCA division had spoken to the student's father, Ann Chee ( photo: right ), who agreed to receive the party's help in resolving the matter.

Ann Chee, who was also present at Chua's press conference, had previously told several newspapers that his family has been pressured and threatened by certain groups over the video.