The Chinese-born WA senator of the Palmer United Party, Dio Wang, has blamed the media for the furore over comments made by Clive Palmer on ABC’s Q&A program.

Since his appearance on the television program on Monday night, Mr Palmer has faced a political and public backlash after he described the Chinese as “bastards” and mongrels” who shoot their own people.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Mr Wang said Mr Palmer’s comments had been taken out of context.

“From personal experience I have found Clive to be consistently respectful and supportive throughout our relationship in both the private sector and now in the political arena,” he said.

“There has never been the slightest suggestion on his part of a prejudicial view of members of the Chinese community.”

Mr Wang said many comments in the media ignored the context of Mr Palmer’s statements, which he said were a result of “persistent and even provocative questioning by the host”.

“Having more than once given an appropriate answer to the questions put to him, Mr Palmer naturally reacted and used expressions that were subsequently taken out of context.”

Senator Wang said he recognised the remarks were directed specifically to certain enterprises, as opposed to individual members of the Chinese community.

“I would not have been endorsed twice as the lead Western Australian Senate candidate if the party leader did not genuinely value the Chinese people,” he said.

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