PETALING JAYA: Malaysian celebrity Datuk Aliff Syukri has apologised for his video which has led to allegations of child abuse, but his wife says their daughter had a tendency to be "dramatic".
Aliff's wife Datin Seri Nur Shahida said their nine-year-old daughter, Qadejah El Zahra, whom they nicknamed Cess, had a flair for theatrics.
"Honestly, she takes after (Aliff). She talks a lot and is 'dramatic'.
"Actually, Cess was crying in the video because my husband was applying the ointment, not because she was in pain, but because she was surprised that her father was doing so.
"My husband only meant to teach his child a lesson. He never forced Cess to wear the hijab, she was the one who chose to do so since Jan 1," she was reported as saying by Malay Mail.
Meanwhile, Aliff apologised for uploading the viral video which showed him applying ointment on his daughter after he had disciplined her with a cane, allegedly because she had a habit of taking off her hijab in front of unknown men.
"I humbly apologise for crossing the line for recording (the video) and uploading it on social media," he told Astro Awani.
"Cess is my only daughter, and I care for her deeply.
"I want to be a perfect father. It was not showing off, it was merely something I wanted to share with my followers," he said.
The video was heavily criticised by many parties, with NGO Protect and Save the Children even lodging a police report on Tuesday (April 30).
Aliff had uploaded another Instagram video on April 30, telling critics not to interfere in his family affairs.
However, he later said he had not expected that his video would receive such a backlash.
"I never expected an uproar. Once again, I apologise to all parties. I understand I am wrong and I am ignorant," he said.
Officers from the Social Welfare Department had also paid a visit to his office on May 2, he added.
In the controversial Instagram video posted on April 24, Aliff was seen rubbing ointment on his daughter's back after he had disciplined her with a cane.
"Forgive me, I love you very much, but this is all for your future.
"Today I caned you because I want you to understand that a woman has to protect her dignity," he said, adding that he has to educate her on her boundaries while she was still young.- Star
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