Watson (second right) refuses to accept apologies made by Primeworks Studios Sdn Bhd and Ammar at the press conference.
MIRI: The host of TV3’s ‘Sukan Tak Sentral’ Azizul Ammar Abu Hassan has been suspended indefinitely starting yesterday for the insulting joke on former national sprinter Watson Nyambek in the sports-based comedy show aired last Saturday.
In the show produced by Primeworks Studios Sdn Bhd (Primeworks Studios), Ammar had mentioned the late father’s name of former national sprinter Watson Nyambek and imitated the bleating of a goat while pronouncing the last syllable of his name.
Ammar’s suspension was announced by Primeworks Studios chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar at joint press conference with Watson held at Grand Palace Hotel here yesterday.
Ammar and the programme producer Abdul Ghani Mohammad Mokhtar were also present at the press conference,
“We are taking immediate stern action to suspend Ammar’s service indefinitely. Ammar will not be called for any of our show as the act of degrading the name of Watson’s late father is unacceptable.
“Meanwhile, the other six crew members who were involved in the production of the programme will be put on disciplinary suspension until further notice,” Ahmad Izham said.
He added that Primeworks Studios has warned all its personnel to be sensitive in the shows that they produced.
“We have also stopped the programme immediately and will hold an open apology to Watson and Sarawakians on television in the near future.
“We are also making a review on the operation procedures of our work to avoid such incidence to occur again in the future,” he added.
During the press conference, Ahmad Izham and his team apologised publicly to Watson and his family but the apology was not accepted by Watson.
“I cannot say anything more on this because I am really mad and disappointed as I cannot accept the actions made by the TV host. I hope that this will not happen again in the future to people in this peaceful country.
“Today I do not accept this apology and maybe someday if I am more at peace (with it), then I will accept it,” said Watson.
Asked if he would sue the host and Primeworks Studios Sdn Bhd, Watson said that he will decide on that later.
Ammar who also spoke at the press conference, apologised to Watson and Sarawakians for his insensitive joke in the show.
“I have no intention to degrade Watson’s late father. Perhaps I was too excited to make a joke and amuse people; I went overboard and overlooked the situation.
“My apology goes to Watson and his family as well as the people of Sarawak. I promise that it will never happen again,” he said.
Also present were Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, Watson’s wife Fellizia Michael Samdom and Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak (GADS) president Vicky Gulin Shandom.
Earlier, Watson lodged a police report against TV3 and the producer of the television programme for the insult.
The police here confirmed that they have received the report and viewed the video footage of the programme that has gone viral in the social media.
The case is now being investigated under section 504 of the Penal Code. Section 504 is offence of intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace which is liable to a penalty of imprisonment of up to two years or fine, or both if convicted.
The hosts and producers of the programme will be interviewed soon to wrap up the investigation.