THE Palmer United Party has released Clive Palmer’s letter of apology to the Chinese ambassador over his extraordinary remarks about Chinese “mongrels” and “bastards” on ABC’s Q&A program.
The PUP leader says he has realised his televised outburst was “an insult to Chinese people everywhere” and that Australia and China “must work towards a prosperous future by working together”.
Politicians and business leaders from both countries condemned Mr Palmer’s comments last week after he lashed out at Chinese “bastards” and “mongrels”, saying “they’re communist, they shoot their own people, they haven’t got a justice system and they want to take over this country”.
Mr Palmer later tried to clarify that his remarks were directed at a “Chinese company which is taking Australian resources and not paying” rather than Chinese people.
“I most sincerely apologise for any insult to Chinese people caused by any of the language I used during my appearance on the ABC television program Q&A,” he says in his letter to Ma Zhaoxu.
“I regret any hurt or anguish such comments may have caused any party and I look forward to greater understanding for peace and cooperation in the future.
“We must always have an open mind; an open mind allows us to put ourselves in the other person’s position and brings greater understanding and less conflict to the world. An open mind at least helps me understand why people think the way they do and how we can avoid traps for better understanding.
“In keeping an open mind, I now come to the realisation that what I said on Q&A was an insult to Chinese people everywhere and I wish to assure them they have my most genuine and sincere apology, that I am sorry that I said the things I said on the program.”
Mr Palmer reflects on the “long involvement” he’s had with China since first visiting it in 1962 and says it is “in the interest of the whole world” that Australia and China have a good relationship.
Treasurer Joe Hockey welcomed news of Mr Palmer’s letter but said it should have been sent immediately after the outburst.
Dozens of protesters also took to the lawns of Parliament House following the apology, waving Australian and Chinese flags.
They held signs that read “Clive Palmer must step down” and chanted “Palmer must resign”.
In a statement released by the Chinese Embassy, Mr Zhaoxu said “the Chinese people are never to be insulted”.
“Any remarks attacking or slandering China would not gain support and were doomed to failure,” he said. “The healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and cannot be overturned by any individual.”
source: theaustralian.com.au
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 