KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has urged the public to be fair and measured in criticising the recent RXZ motorcycle gathering, saying the actions of a small number of irresponsible riders should not be used to condemn the entire event.
He said he agreed that participants who violated traffic rules, including running red lights or riding against the flow of traffic, deserved to be reprimanded and criticised as such behaviour endangered lives.
“I agree that those who broke traffic laws should be criticised and reprimanded because it involves the safety of the riders and other road users,” he said in a statement today.
However, Akmal said it was unfair to conclude that the gathering was wholly negative due to the actions of a minority.
“To make a blanket judgment that the RXZ gathering was entirely bad is something I do not agree with.
“Among the tens of thousands who attended, how many actually broke the law? I believe far more rode responsibly and with discipline,” he said.
Yesterday, DAP Melaka voiced its objection to any form of event organisation that encourages or allows violations of the law.
In a statement, its chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said the RXZ Members Ride programme held in the state had caused serious disruption to residents’ daily routines, public order and road safety.
Meanwhile, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the “RXZ Members Ride Edition Melaka 3.0 2025” attracted more than 70,000 visitors to the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh over its two-day run, beginning Friday
He said the event had further strengthened Melaka’s position as a leading destination for motorsports tourism while contributing to the state’s economic growth and the well-being of its people.
Akmal highlighted the economic benefits generated by the event, including hotel bookings and increased income for small traders, adding that it provided a rare opportunity to celebrate the passion and spirit of motorcycle enthusiasts.
“In a year of 365 days, we only set aside two days for friends who are passionate about the world of motorcycling to gather and be celebrated,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with festive seasons, Akmal said society generally understood and tolerated certain disturbances, such as loud fireworks during Hari Raya, Deepavali or Chinese New Year, as long as they did not pose danger to others.
“We accept and respect why fireworks are lit on festive nights, unless they cause harm, in which case action must be taken,” he said.
Akmal stressed that while criticism of traffic violations was justified, condemning all attendees as if they had committed serious wrongdoing was wrong.
He also aimed at political parties that were quick to criticise the RXZ gathering but remained silent on other serious issues.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
