KUALA LUMPUR: Business radio station BFM 89.9 presenter Aisyah Tajuddin apologised yesterday for her tone and demeanour in a video questioning the adoption of the hudud bill in Kelantan.

She said she had not intended to insult any religion in the BFM Projek Dialog BFMKupas video, adding that its purpose was to question the PAS-led Kelantan government’s priorities.

“I wish to take the opportunity to apologise for both my tone and demeanour in the video. It was never my intention to mock. It was never my intention to insult,” said Aisyah in a statement.

“I realise that many took offence. For that, I am truly sorry. I would never, under any circumstance, insult or condemn any religion, let alone my own.”

She added that the numerous death and rape threats directed at her, her family and colleagues since the video was published last Thursday had been “incredibly upsetting”.

“Feeling this vulnerable about my safety and security is an uncomfortable experience and one that is out of character in the Malaysia I know,” said Aisyah.

“On that note, there has also been a tremendous outpouring of love and support from both friends and strangers alike. For this, I am truly grateful.”

She also expressed regret that the coverage of the incident had distracted the public from the true intention of the video, which was to spur discourse on the socio-economic conditions of the people in Kelantan.

Aisyah and several employees of BFM had their statements recorded by police yesterday over the two-minute video.

On Sunday, the New Straits Times Online reported that those behind the video were being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code for blasphemy.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said that police had received at least five reports after the video was published, adding that the complainants felt their religious beliefs had been mocked.

At the same time, the report said, Khalid had given an assurance that police were also tracking down those who had threatened Aisyah with rape and murder.

BFM has since removed the video clip, which drew at least 6,000 views as well as hundreds of disparaging comments about Aisyah.

The comments ranged from questioning her faith to calling for her to be burned alive, raped and even shot dead.

Many also called on the police to probe Aisyah and BFM for sedition.

BFM said in a statement on Saturday that Aisyah had not written the script and the views in the video did not reflect her stance on the law. — The Malaysian Insider

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on March 24, 2015.