The DAP chairman yesterday said the main reason he alleged that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had waved a keris challenging the Chinese community during a rally in 1987 was for him to get a clarification directly from Najib.

Karpal alleged on Monday that Najib had - during a rally in the run-up to the 1987 Operasi Lallang - waved a keris in a challenge to the Chinese community.

When contacted by Malay Mail yesterday to explain why he had raised the issue, Karpal said it was something he had heard about for a long time and wanted to know directly from Najib whether the event did take place.

"I wanted to know if he said it, and he gave his answer, let's just leave it as it is, the matter should not go on further," Karpal said.

An English daily reported yesterday that, after making the allegations against Najib in Parliament on Monday, Karpal had said: "If it was true, are you prepared to ask for forgiveness from the Chinese community?"

Najib replied: "The incident did not take place. I have never said that. The one who should apologise is the YB concerned, not me."

Asked by Malay Mail if he had any evidence to back his claim, Karpal said it was just a question that was raised in Parliament and it should not be dragged any further.