Putra president Ibrahim Ali today said the “courage” of Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh in highlighting issues, including the recent flag gaffe, should extend beyond affairs related to those who insult the Malays, Islam and the country.
In a statement, he said there were bigger issues for Akmal to speak about, including corruption, justice and the economy.
Unfortunately, he said, Umno Youth had remained mum on such matters.
He said the role of the wing should not be confined to highlighting issues such as the KK Mart socks controversy or gaffes involving the Jalur Gemilang, which he said could be taken up by NGOs.
“Umno Youth should play the role of check and balance as well, as they should be brave in reprimanding the government and acting as a pressure group.
“They should not act like a pet cat that only chases mice outside the house,” he added.
KK Mart courted controversy last year over the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah”, with Akmal calling for a boycott of the convenience store chain despite the company’s apology.
Recently, he was at the forefront of a gathering outside the premises of a hardware shop in Penang, the owner of which accidentally hung the Malaysian flag upside down.
He is currently under investigation for sedition and criminal intimidation over a video he had posted related to the controversy.
Ibrahim said that leaders who only displayed courage over safe issues would be remembered for a short time.
“But those who take on the big issues will be appreciated for years to come,” he added.
