Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has called off a planned “class” for the Penang shop owner accused of hoisting the Jalur Gemilang upside down, but will turn up on Thursday to see if DAP hangs its promised giant national flag “correctly”.
Akmal yesterday threatened to protest at the shop if the owner is not charged by Thursday, saying he would personally “teach this ‘Ah Pek’ (uncle) how to put up a flag properly”.
This change of plan came after DAP today said it would sponsor a giant Jalur Gemilang for the shop and deploy Penang DAP members to distribute 831 Jalur Gemilang flags, should anyone try to stir trouble.
In a Facebook video, Akmal sarcastically thanked DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook for the initiative, as it was akin to “teaching” the person.
He said if DAP wanted to welcome them, he would gladly attend the event.
“I also want to see what kind of welcome there is, and they say they want to hand out flags. God willing, we’ll also bring flags to hand out together, to raise awareness among the public.
“Whether or not there’s prosecution, that’s secondary, but on Thursday we’ll be there. Why? Because you want to host us, so we accept it,” he said.
However, MCA president Wee Ka Siong has frowned on DAP’s move to mobilise members to “defend” the Penang shop, saying it could bring many politically charged people to an already tense spot and make things worse.
“The correct approach would be for DAP’s 40 MPs in government to pressure the home minister to ensure the police prevent this physical confrontation from taking place.
“Since they have failed to do so, I have instructed MCA Youth to lodge a police report,” he said in a Facebook post.
Wee urged the authorities to issue the necessary warnings to Akmal and called on DAP to “cease their on-the-ground posturing” to protect public safety and harmony.
“MCA will not stand by and watch as our streets are turned into potential battlegrounds for political posturing,” he said.
Separately, Akmal also addressed an incident involving Terengganu Umno Youth, whose recent poster displayed the Jalur Gemilang with missing stripes.
He confirmed the mistake and urged police to investigate and take stern action, even though the person is from his own party.
“Because this is not about politics. This is about respecting our national symbol. No matter who you are, what race you are, or what your political beliefs are.
“Even if you’re from my own group. Wrong is wrong,” he said.
