Malcolm Turnbull Will Have Words With The Government Staffer From The 'Budgie Nine'

Uh oh. Dad's mad.

Though the 'Budgie Nine' will leave Malaysia without any convictions to their names, Malcolm Turnbull had some stern words for the government staffer caught in the controversy.

According to The Australian, the Prime Minister today said he would be talking to Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne about the conduct of his policy adviser, Jack Walker, for his display in Kuala Lumpur.

“Certainly the young man involved needs to have a very hard look at himself and I am sure will be considering his future carefully,” the PM told Adelaide radio station 5AA.

Maybe he's not mad, just... disappointed.

Walker, 26, was one of nine gents who attended the Malaysia Grand Prix in KL on Sunday and stripped down to their underwear as a means of celebrating Daniel Ricciardo's victory. (Real talk: There has to be a better way.)

Their "budgie smugglers" were adorned with the Malaysian flag. The revelry saw them arrested, and they subsequently spent four nights in two cells at the nearby Sepang police station.

They were chastised by Malaysian magistrate Harith Sham bin Mohamed Yasin in court yesterday, but were nonetheless let go (given their time behind in bars and remorse).

“Your conduct ... was totally ­inappropriate, you understand that ... I hope that this incident will serve as a reminder to you and anybody travelling in this country to learn about our local culture and customs and to respect that,” the judge said.

Eight of the men flew back home yesterday. Walker remained in KL overnight.

In an Instagram post, the brand Budgy Smuggler - responsible for creating the international incident-inciting underwear - said "no offence was intended in the production of the pairs."

Ricciardo, for his part, believed the actions of the 'Budgie Nine' was "harmless fun", but, ultimately advised, "when you travel abroad you have to be more careful."

We seriously pray this is the last time we ever, as a society, ever have to say the words 'Budgie Nine'.

 

Photo: Instagram - budgysmuggler.