Speaking to FMT, the Metrowealth Pictures CEO said: “What a weird world.
“Someone slapped me, but I have to apologise to him (actor Sulaiman Yassin) and the public?”
He was referring to an incident at a National Transformation 2050 (TN50) dialogue for the entertainment industry attended by Prime Minister Najib Razak last night.
There, a scuffle broke out between Teo and Sulaiman after Teo criticised the session’s moderator, Rosyam Nor, for allegedly overlooking those seated at the back when it came to asking questions or giving suggestions.
Sulaiman, unhappy with the way Teo was acting, rushed over and out of nowhere, slapped Teo. Security officials subsequently escorted both men from the venue, a hall at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya.
“I have already apologised to the prime minister for the ruckus. He accepted my apology and the case was settled there and then,” Teo said.
“So, there is no need for me to apologise again, unless the prime minister wants me to. But I already explained to him that I was just as surprised by what had happened.”
He also rubbished claims by Mohd Ali Baharom, better known as Ali Tinju, that he was hired by some “irresponsible politicians” to disrupt the event, saying this was untrue.
He told FMT that he would consider taking legal action against Ali Tinju, but would consult with legal experts before deciding on the next course of action.
“I have been a businessman for more than 17 years. My money comes from movies that make it into the box office, and from ticket sales.
“I have no political background or ties to any political parties. I’m just a businessman.”
To those who accused him of being rude to Najib, Teo said they should watch the video of the incident carefully before making such allegations.
He said he had been speaking to Rosyam when Sulaiman came and slapped him.
“I hadn’t even begun to address the prime minister at the time,” he added.
Meanwhile, The Star Online this evening said police had received two reports, one made by a policeman, over the scuffle.
The portal quoted Putrajaya police chief ACP Rosly Hassan as saying that the case was being investigated for causing hurt under Section 323 of the Penal Code.
“Even though both sides have made peace, the police are obligated to investigate since (a video of) the incident has gone viral.
“We will investigate from all angles and call in witnesses as well,” Rosly was reported as saying.
Ali Tinju claims DAP likely hired Teo to disrupt Najib’s event
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