KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Controversial Muslim convert writer Ridhuan Tee Abdullah apologised today to the Chinese over “Cina babi” slurs issued at the racially-charged Red-Shirt rally on September 16.

In his column in Sinar Harian today, he said calling someone “Cina Babi (Chinese pig)” is uncivilised and those who uttered the slur were unfit to lead.

“I am embarrassed by this incident and I want to apologise for the harsh words used by people who claim to be Muslims to the Chinese who are not ultra kiasu,” he wrote in his Buka Minda (Open up your mind) column in the Malay language daily.

Thousands of red shirted people were bussed into the federal capital on September 16, which was also Malaysia Day, for the rally officially called “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu” or the United People’s Assembly.

The event was complemented by another rally dubbed “Himpunan Maruah Melayu (Malay dignity rally) that gave the gathering its “red shirt” image.

The protest was marred by sporadic outbreaks of racism, with one attendee recorded calling a reporter “Cina gila babi (Crazy Chinese pig)”, among other insults.

A pocket of participants of the secondary rally organised by Sungai Besar Umno division chief Datuk Jamal Md Yunos, confronted riot police in Petaling Street, forcing the authorities to fire water cannons to disperse the crowd.

Today, Ridhuan, who is ethnic Chinese, said he is not against peaceful assemblies, but there should be a purpose and the participants should be mindful of their actions and their words.

“Ultra kiasu is not just a Chinese trait, even among the Malays.

“Gather peacefully, show a good image of Islam just as our leaders want,” he wrote.

Jamal was arrested and released last week over his warning of a possible riot at an abortive rally at Petaling Street.