National Government Minister Maurice Williamson might think New Zealanders are racist but he is the one caught out making jokes about Muslim people.
Last Thursday Mr Williamson said in a speech that opponents to land sales to foreigners were racist.
Prime Minister John Key downplayed the remarks and said Mr Williamson was
probably being flippant.
``Sometimes humour can backfire a little bit and I think this is an example of that, but as a general rule everyone knows that Maurice has got a strong sense of humour and they accept it comes with the minister in question.''
Today The Dominion Post reported that on August 20 Mr Williamson made jokes about Muslims at a building awards ceremony in Auckland. He also teased the MC Oscar Kightley, the Samoan star of Sione's Wedding, asking if his ``papers were in order''.
The rest of his routine included jokes such as: ``What is the difference between Muslims and Kiwis? Muslims get to commit adultery and get stoned, Kiwis get stoned and commit adultery.''
And he used two forms of the Muslim religion to talk about the weather: ``Shi'ite in the morning and Sunni in the afternoon''.
Kightley told the newspaper the remark made to him was ``a bit fresh'' but he wasn't offended.
He said the audience enjoyed Mr Williamson's performance and he appeared ``in fine fettle''.
One guest at the awards said the remarks were inappropriate.
Mr Williamson declined to comment last night as he was in Christchurch at a meeting.
Mr Williamson is responsible for building and construction, small business and other portfolios.
