Dr Akmal Saleh has hit back at Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee after the latter challenged the Umno Youth chief to become a “leader for all Malaysians”.
Akmal said he was already a leader “for all races”, citing the way he has helped his constituents of various backgrounds equally, regardless of their skin colour, ethnicity or religion.
“I have no issues with the Chinese or Indians. In fact, I help everyone equally, regardless of their race,” he said in a video posted on Facebook.
“My issue is when some leaders try to disturb my religion and my race, (which have special privileges) enshrined in the Federal Constitution. I would be a coward if I don’t defend my religion and race from such leaders.
“I have issues with leaders like (Kerk) who are narrow-minded and keep on threatening the racial harmony that we share,” the Melaka executive councillor said.
Akmal, the Merlimau assemblyman, also parried Kerk’s jab on being a “narrow factional voice”, urging the DAP man to reflect on his own party.
“Look in the mirror so that DAP would become a (party that champions) all races by respecting the sensitivities in this country. Before asking others to respect you, please respect what’s enshrined in the constitution.”
Earlier, Kerk challenged Akmal to rise above the politics of race and religion and become a leader for all Malaysians, saying the Umno man’s past remarks had been “divisive and regressive”.
The Melaka legislative assembly’s deputy speaker said Akmal should offer a vision for inclusive leadership instead of playing the same old card of ethno-religious provocation.
Kerk also called for the Umno man to look to Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh as an example of how an Umno leader could govern inclusively.
