A rarity of rightist Akmal, DAP on same page: Opposing Christmas décor ban at halal premises

 

RIDDING vernacular schools, upside down Jalur Gemilang and the KK Mart sock-gate outburst – those would be the first images that set firebrand UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh on warring path with DAP despite both being supposedly allies in the ruling Madani government.

But for once – a very rare instance indeed – the self-proclaimed fierce defender of race and religion is seemingly aligned in thought with DAP Melaka which happens to be his home state when the latter cried foul over the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) ban on Christmas decorations at halal premises in the state.

In this instance, DAP Melaka in the name of “Malaysia being a plural society” has boldly pointed out a 2023 incident whereby JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) stated that there was no obstacle for any halal-certified bakery/patisserie to have “Merry Christmas” greetings on cakes and the likes.

“DAP Melaka calls on the state’s Chief Minister to clarify this matter immediately and take appropriate action to avoid issues that could affect community harmony, investor confidence and Melaka’s image as a tourism state,” it hit out on its official Facebook page.

When one thought that the Merlimau state assemblyman would seize the moment to bombard his political rival for turning a blind eye on Muslim’s sensitivity, he shockingly ‘toe the line’ by contending that halal-ness “of food and beverages are 100% determined by their source and preparation method”.

“(Halal stature) doesn’t depend on (Christmas) décor in the kitchen nor in the dining area,” he penned on his FB page in reaction to anger of Muslims at DAP for what they see as insulting Islam by opposing the JAIM décor directive.

“I request that JAIM review the directive prohibiting decoration in kitchens and outlets that have obtained halal certificates.”

In his FB post which has generated 3.5K likes, 446 comments and 284 shares at the time of writing, opinions are somewhat divided on the issue.

Not everyone was in agreement with the fiery Melaka state EXCO for Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security with some being on the side of JAIM on the matter to which Akmal acknowledged with an advice of “not to complicate simple things for fear of we become a slander to the religion”.

Another concerned commenter feared that the good Russia-trained doctor may have erred on this issue, hence urging him to consult with relevant experts or “take the Halal Executive course from MISDEC (Melaka Industrial Skills Development & Entrepreneurship Centre) in your state”.

It was nevertheless pointed out by another commenter that Akmal had indeed done the necessary consultations.

On the other side of the fence were a number of pleasantly surprised commenters by Akmal’s take on the topic at a time when too many seem to be overly eager to be agent provocateurs.

One commenter professed he was utterly confused by this apparent volte face from a politician often seen as pandering to the right-leaning nationalists’ demographic. It was countered that this confusion was the result of DAP brainwashing.

Another commenter snidely enquired if DAP were going to raise a furore as it usually does with regards to Akmal’s usually fiery pronouncements.

It would appear that for once, DAP and Akmal are reading from the same hymn sheet (no pun intended). Whatever next, snow in Malaysia? Now, that would really usher in the Christmas spirit. –  Focus Malaysia