An insensitive cartoon by a Malaysian daily showing the Japanese superhero Ultraman running helter-skelter from the massive tsunami has sparked an outrage in the country, prompting the newspaper to tender a public apology. Berita Harian newspaper, the Malay-language daily, on its front page Monday apologised for the offending caricature of the popular Japanese icon running away from an oncoming tsunami.
Several people had voiced their objection and regret over the newspaper''s insensitive attitude to the plight of the Japanese who were hit by the tsunami.
Malaysian authority also issued a stern warning to the daily. "We only issued a stern warning so that the offending action would not be repeated," said Rais Yatim, Minister for Information, Communication and Culture. The minister warned the newspaper not to use calamities like earthquakes or tsunami as a source of humour.
However, the minister said no legal action would be taken against the newspaper as the illustration was related to a humanitarian matter.
