BC Rail racism allegation withdrawn

A B.C. New Democrat MLA has apologized for making allegations of racism in connection to the BC Rail trial.

Harry Lali said in Kamloops Wednesday that, while many Liberal party members were investigated, only Indo-Canadians were charged in the case.

Dave Basi and Bob Virk are both of Punjabi heritage.

Lali said Thursday his remarks were out of line.

"My comments were not intended to impugn the special prosecutor and the RCMP," he said. "I apologize to them if any harm has come to the special prosecutor or to the RCMP."

B.C. Attorney General Mike De Jong said in a letter to NDP Leader Carole James that the allegations were aimed at fuelling racial tensions and he assumed she didn't condone or share her MLA's views.

Basi and Virk pleaded guilty to corruption charges Monday in connection to the $1 billion sale of BC Rail and to accepting benefits from a land deal on Vancouver Island. They were originally charged in 2004.