A teacher who allegedly punched Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan on the neck about two weeks ago, yesterday apologised openly to the Hulu Selangor member of parliament (MP).

At a media conference in Shah Alam yesterday, Muhammad Rizuan Suhaimi, who is also Hulu Selangor Umno Youth assistant secretary, expressed gratitude to Kalamanathan who was reported on Sunday as having forgiven the teacher over the assault.

“The action (act of forgiving) has proven that Kamalanathan is a magnanimous leader who is willing to put aside personal issues for the harmony of the community he is representing.

“The deputy minister’s forgiveness has given me and my family a huge relief for my excessiveness against him. I completely regret my action and humbly apologise to the honourable member of parliament,” he said.

Kamalanathan, in a statement on Sunday said Muhammad Rizuan’s action was a personal matter and the incident on Jan 12 at the MP’s office was an emotional outburst which was unintentional.

Earlier, Muhammad Rizuan was said to have been disappointed with the deputy minister for not helping to transfer his wife, who was teaching at a school in Batu Pahat, Johor to Selangor.

- Bernama