DAP MP says sorry after ‘Lahabau Melaka’ gaffe on Facebook

DAP’s Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching today apologised after uploading a picture on Facebook showing words used to curse others in a bid to encourage residents in Melaka to turn out to vote in the impending state election.

Teo had put up the picture accompanied by the words “Lahabau Melaka, Jom Undi” without understanding the meaning.

According to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, “lahabau” means “useless” or “unreliable”.

“I only wanted to campaign using the free frames available on Facebook. I did not understand the full meaning of the word,” she said in a post.

“With this, I humbly apologise for the mistake in preparing and uploading campaign material that misused the language,” she added.

The Election Commission had said earlier today that candidates and political parties are not allowed to hold face-to-face campaign activities for the Melaka state election, including ceramahs and house visits.

Instead, they are urged to use social media or vehicles outfitted with loud hailers.

Teo pledged to be more careful in the future when uploading material on social media for the Melaka campaign.

“I apologise to all, especially to the people and voters of Melaka,” she said.