The DAP central executive committee member said he decided to apologise after being suggested to do so by Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who advised him not to repeat the act.

“I take this opportunity to apologise for any distress that may have arisen,” said Lee in a press conference at his service centre.

“I have been accused of interpreting (the Quran), but I did not. I only cited a verse from the Quran, and that too, upon the advice of knowledgeable individuals. I do not wish to elaborate further.”

Earlier today, Lee provided a statement to the police as part of its investigation into the video.

Lee had just arrived from New York, where he was attending the 78th United Nations General Assembly.

Last Friday, Bukit Aman said the police would be calling Lee to have his statement recorded following a report lodged against him by a Perak organisation, Jalinan Bersatu Sahabat.

The group’s president, Amiruddin Daud, claimed that Lee’s actions were an insult to Islam as he is a non-Muslim, but had given his own interpretation of a Quranic verse.

“I request that we do not escalate this further,” said Lee.

“I am concerned that when we look at social media, especially on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, there are many comments that not only create tension, but also threaten my life.”