MADANI backers have ridiculed firebrand UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh for putting up “emotional theatrics display” with his preparedness not to defend his Merlimau state in the Nov 14 Melaka state election if his Penang court case becomes a liability to UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN).
This follows the prosecution having rejected a representation by the self-proclaimed staunch defender of race and religion to drop a criminal charge against him for causing public fear in relation to the upside down Jalur Gemilang incident in Kepala Batas, Penang during the run-up to the 2025 Merdeka Day.
“I’ve frankly informed the (UMNO) president that I’m willing not to contest if my case becomes something that could tarnish the party’s name, thus considered a burden on the party’s chances of winning,” he told reporters at the Bukit Mertajam Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Oct 26).
On Aug 22 last year, the 38-year-old Merlimau state assemblyman who is popular with his “No Fear, No Surrender” tagline pleaded not guilty to a charge of making a statement on Facebook that allegedly caused public fear.
The charge was brought under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code which provides for a maximum jail sentence of two years or a fine or both upon conviction.
Editor’s Note: Akmal’s lead counsel Aizat Azam said the defence would submit a second representation directly to the Attorney-General (A-G).
State prosecution director Muna Mohamed Jaafar said the prosecution had no objection to the defence submitting another representation.
“I’ll personally forward the representation to the Attorney-General (AG),” she pointed out while magistrate Roshayati Radellah has fixed Jan 4 next year for the decision on the representation.
On June 11, it was reported that Akmal had filed a judicial review to challenge the A-G’s decision to charge him.
The main issues raised included allegations of selective prosecution, inconsistent treatment of people in similar circumstances (inaction against the person alleged to be flying an upside-down flag) and whether the prosecution was consistent with the guarantee of equality before the law under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution.
Don’t dare to face DAP in straight contest
Given that this is the second court case involving the Melaka state EXCO so soon after he was ordered by the Melaka High Court to pay RM300,000 to DAP veteran and six-term Seputeh MP Teresa Kok after losing a defamatory case, it is understandable that detractors wanted to get even with him.
Aside from the above pot shots, the Russia-trained medical doctor was teased from “simply opening his mouth” to “becoming joker of the day, almost the level of Jamal Jamban (Sungai Besar UMNO division head who lost a total of RM366,600 in a defamatory suit to Kok) to “putting up a teary drama”.
As it is, it remains to be seen if Akmal is serious about giving up his constituency this time around given his previous intention to resign from his post as the Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security state EXCO on grounds of differences with DAP was rejected by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
This is when a pro-Madani political portal took a swipe at Akmal for ‘chickening out’ from contesting against DAP in the forthcoming Melaka state polls after losing in Kok’s civil suit.
He used to be a tough guy. When it comes to DAP, he has been one of the most outspoken individual. If possible, he wants to fight everything. He can’t see a DAP leader, he just has the capital to shoot.
But when election season comes, it seems that Merlimau remains his ultimate choice.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with defending his own seat. That’s his right as the incumbent.
But the rakyat may wonder if he has been so confident in their support for his fight against DAP, why not test that popularity in the constituencies contested by DAP?
Akmal is poised to face Melaka Amanah Women’s chief Rahayu Hamzah a.k.a. Ayu Hamzah in the contest for the Merlimau seat come the 16th Melaka state polls. – Oct 27, 2026
- Focus Malaysia
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