Malaysian MP apologises for 'Hitler' tweet

A member of the Malaysian parliament has apologised for tweeting "Long Live Hitler" after Germany defeated Brazil in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, a remark that triggered a furore in Malaysia and elsewhere.

"When Germany whacked Brazil I unintentionally said something that hurt the people in Germany," Bung Mokhtar Radin, a federal parliamentarian from the eastern state of Sabah, tweeted on Thursday.

"My sincerest apology. Long Live Bung."

Netizens lambasted Bung for his Hitler tweet, calling it insensitive and "brainless."

Holger Michael, Germany's ambassador to Malaysia, said in a statement: "While we appreciate the admiration for the German football team, we strongly reject the unacceptable allusion to the fascist regime of Adolf Hitler."

Prime Minister Najib Razak on Thursday said Bung's comments were "unacceptable and wrong".

"He does not speak for Malaysia, or for ordinary Malaysians, who understand Europe's tragic past, and respect its modern unity," Najib wrote on Twitter.

"This should be a time of celebration for Germany, and we wish them all the best in the final."