FT DAP Youth joins growing 'cut ties with Akmal' list

Federal Territories DAP Youth has joined growing calls to cut ties with Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh over the recent flag blunder.

It said this is because Akmal never apologised for his actions, which led to the erosion of national unity.

"His actions and statements, which clearly contradict the principles of justice and unity, should not be compromised by any party that upholds the rule of law," it said in a statement today.

Previously, the DAP Youth in several states urged the party to end its political cooperation with Akmal, following the Merlimau assemblyperson's rally against a hardware store owner in Kepala Batas, Penang, on Friday.

The store owner, Pang Chin Tian, was caught on video hanging the national flag upside down.

However, he claimed that he was measuring the length of an iron pole while hanging the national flag and did not notice that it was upside down.

Pang had since been investigated and arrested by the police, while Akmal was also investigated over the rally.

The Federal Territories DAP Youth further said that Akmal's actions are perceived as biased, selective and politically motivated.

"Such an attitude not only creates tension, but can also threaten the harmony between races and national unity that we have long built together," it said.

Be mature and responsible

The group also believed that flag blunders should be dealt with fairly and prudently within legal means, "without dragging in racial emotions or narrow political sentiments".

It urged all leaders across political parties to be mature and responsible in their actions and statements, particularly when it comes to national symbols.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh

"Unity cannot be built on the foundation of racist rhetoric and double standards.

"We should work together to preserve the harmony of this country by prioritising the spirit of goodwill for the sake of a more united and progressive future for Malaysia," it added.

Yesterday, in response to DAP Youth urging to cut ties with Akmal, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan urged the party to advise its youth wing to “return to rational thinking” and avoid rash actions that could complicate the work of the unity government.

This was not taken kindly by the DAP Youth national executive council, which demanded that Mohamad direct his advice to Akmal instead. - Mkini