The public outpouring of disgust for Manoharan’s tweets, on the Olympic badminton final on Sunday night, even prompted some to demand his resignation.
Manoharan was also lambasted by his party's national chairman Karpal Singh, who described his comments as indefensible.
Karpal said he was unhappy with the remarks and asked Manoharan to offer an unconditional apology to Chong Wei and his family.
"I specifically told him that his comments were uncalled for. With Manoharan's apology, the matter should be put to rest here."
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng yesterday said the remarks on Chong Wei's silver medal performance were "grossly insensitive".
Lim, who is Penang chief minister, said Manoharan's insensitive comments did not represent DAP's view.
The public outburst against Manoharan started when he mocked Chong Wei for his loss to China's Lin Dan and tweeted: "Lin Dan wins. He played better than Lee
Chong AWAY."
He went on politicising Chong Wei's loss by tweeting: "Pakatan has a very capable sports minister in waiting. Give Pakatan to rule Putrajaya to bring in the
Gold in next Olympics in Rio 2016."
However, yesterday, Manoharan tweeted: "I sincerely hope my apology will be accepted," followed by another tweet directed at Chong Wei: "I deeply regret the
comments I have made and tender my heartfelt apologies to Datuk Lee Chong Wei and his family."
Netizen @yashiryahaya played with Manoharan's choice of word in response to his apology: "You should tender your resignation @mmanoADUN: I deeply regret the
comments I've made and tender my heartfelt apologies to Datuk Lee Chong Wei and family".
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