A DAP central executive committee member has called for all parties not to be distracted by the tiff over the upside-down Jalur Gemilang and to instead focus on more pressing matters.
Banting assemblyman V Papparaidu said every party in the government, even Umno, was no longer in the opposition and should place their focus on economic growth and other national matters.
He added that internal friction within the unity coalition would not augur well with the Sabah state election just around the corner and the next general election not too far away.
“As I have stressed before, we must ensure we remain on the right path for the people by putting aside our differences and working together.
“No one should attempt to seek cheap publicity by highlighting the flag issue as it only distracts from the real priorities that matter to Malaysians.
“As a state representative and DAP CEC member, I urge the police and authorities to act swiftly and efficiently so that justice is upheld (in the flag issue).
“At the same time, I urge all parties to put these distractions to rest and focus on the bigger picture,” the Selangor DAP assistant organising secretary said in a statement.
Papparaidu also reminded politicians that it was important for them to abide by the leadership of their parties, adding that DAP has always been practising this.
“Unfortunately, I do not see the same from Akmal,” he said, in a swipe at Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh.
Akmal is under investigation for sedition and criminal intimidation over a video he posted related to a shop owner in Penang who accidentally hung the Jalur Gemilang upside down.
Several DAP Youth chapters have since called for the party to sever all ties with Akmal.
The Melaka executive councillor laughed off the threat and dared DAP to do so, saying such a move would inadvertently mean ending its relationship with Umno.
Umno is a key partner in the unity government, leading Barisan Nasional in backing Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister alongside the likes of Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
