Clive Palmer has been slammed by social media users after publicly urging Prime Minister Tony Abbott to commit suicide . During a press conference at Parliament House , the outspoken crossbench MP was commenting on Mr Abbott 's claim that Mr Palmer was preventing his senators voting in favour of the government 's higher education overhaul . 'There ’ s a million students going to tertiary education in this country , there ’ s a million more that ’ s about to go , and a million more that ’ s just left , they ’ ve all got parents , ' Mr Palmer told reporters . 'So commit suicide Tony Abbott , you know , ' the Palmer United Party leader said , as he chuckled . Clive Palmer has been slammed after publicly urging Prime Minister Tony Abbott to commit suicide . Mr Palmer tweeted an apology soon after his comments were broadcast , to set the record straight . When challenged as to whether the comment was a respectable point to make , Mr Palmer said that it was not a debate and clarified that he had meant 'political ' suicide . 'It 's suicide , political suicide to go against the will of what 's good for the Australian people , ' he said . His comments have garnered criticism on social media , with Twitter users labelling the statement flippant , horrific , appalling and sickening . ' I 'm stunned an elected official , paid by taxpayers , thinks it 's OK to invite the PM to kill himself , ' tweeted one social media user . 'Such an idiot . Watch your words Clive , ' said another . One Twitter user suggested renaming the MP 'Facepalmer ' , another tweeted that 'regardless of intent , it 's an absurd statement . ' 'So commit suicide Tony Abbott , you know , ' the Palmer United Party leader said , as he chuckled . The MP was commenting on Mr Abbott 's claim that Mr Palmer was preventing his senators voting in favour of the government 's higher education overhaul . Mr Abbott has not commented on Mr Palmer 's statement . Mr Palmer tweeted an apology soon after his comments were broadcast , to set the record straight . 'Today I inadvertently used the term suicide in regard to Tony Abbott when I meant political suicide . I apologise for any offence caused , ' Mr Palmer wrote . One Twitter user backed the MP , urging social media users to 'calm down ' as Mr Palmer intended the comments to refer to political suicide . Mr Palmer has made light of mental health issues in public comments before , including an incident in 2013 when he told Queensland Premier Campell Newman to 'take his medication and calm down ' . The PUP leader referred to Mr Newman as ' a nice little fellow with a bipolar condition ( who ) sometimes does n't take his medication ' . Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 . His comments have garnered criticism on social media , with Twitter users labelling the statement flippant . Mr Palmer 's statement attracted a flurry of comments , with many calling his comments appalling . Some social media users found the humourous side the of situation and made light of his comments . 'Today I inadvertently used the term suicide in regard to Tony Abbott when I meant political suicide . I apologise for any offence caused , ' Mr Palmer wrote . Mr Palmer told Queensland Premier Campell Newman to 'take his medication and calm down ' in 2013 .
Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer told Mr Abbott to commit suicide . The MP was referring to the PM 's claim he was influencing crossbenchers . He was challenged as to whether this was an appropriate comment to make . The PUP leader clarified that he meant committing 'political ' suicide . Mr Palmer has since apologised on Twitter and said he meant no offense .