EXCEPT for His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King of Malaysia who had to a large extent subdued him on the eve of Hari Raya (April 9), questions abound as to why UMNO Youth Chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has been allowed to behave like a ‘runaway train’ to the extent of posturing his stature as “the defender of Islam against enemies/traitors of Muslims”.
Amid an overwhelming backing from the UMNO grassroots, the Merlimau state assemblyman has apparently emerged as an irresistible force so much so one wonders if there has been ‘gag’ order within the unity government to counter the youth leader’s verbal attacks against coalition partners.
Amidst Malaysia’s on-going economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, stability is paramount for sustainable growth. However, escalating political tensions between government leaders have raised concerns among political observers and economists alike.
The nation’s economy which is still grappling with the aftermath of successive lockdowns requires steadfast leadership and a unified approach to navigate challenges and foster progress.
As the political discourse intensifies, prioritising national stability becomes increasingly imperative to safeguard Malaysia’s economic trajectory. And for some, stopping Akmal in the perceived ‘destructive’ mode is imperative.
“This UMNO fella is totally out of control! When is PMX or Zahid going to step in and rein him in?” asked Dennis Ignatius, a veteran of the Malaysian foreign service, on the X (previously Twitter) platform.
This UMNO fella is totally out of control! When is PMX or Zahid going to step in and rein him in?https://t.co/WDIIleFwZQ
— DennisIgnatius (@DennisIgnatius) April 12, 2024
His post has garnered some interesting comments from followers with one saying the entire regime could be behind it “to garner” support while another questioned whether this is the type and quality of leadership that Malaysia should be expecting in the future!
Nevertheless, noted academician and political commentator Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Rasdi, Akmal’s latest attack on DAP vice-chairman and federal minister Nga Kor Ming is in defiance of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s (YDPA) message to maintain harmony between Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-religious communities.
Describing Akmal as being “arrogant and disrespectful” for his comments on the Teluk Intan MP, Tajuddin said that it is difficult to build a country with trust and respect when political leaders disrespect leaders from other communities and faiths by calling them “stupid”.
“Political parties that allow their members to sow distrust and disrespect do not deserve any trust or respect from the rakyat in turn, in any election,” the Free Malaysia Today news portal quoted him as saying.
“It is obvious that we Malaysians must rebuild this country ourselves because some of our leaders can no longer be our teachers and inspiration.”
Furthermore, former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Latheefa Koya also voiced her dismal views on Akmal.
In an X post last week, Latheefa asked why Akmal is demanding explanations on behalf of Islam on the socks and shoe issues.
This is getting absurd. Those who go about examining if d bottom of shoes carry insults 2 Islam are d ones insulting Islam. Islam is being exposed 2 ridicule by these pple. Btw why is Akmal Saleh demanding explanations on behalf of Islam? Is he d official authority? Is he Jakim? pic.twitter.com/Ul9aeo7Zkz
— Latheefa Koya (@LatheefaKoya) April 8, 2024
“This is getting absurd. Those who go about examining if the bottom of shoes carries insults to Islam are the ones insulting Islam,” asserted the lawyer and human rights activist.
“Islam is being exposed to ridicule by these people. By the way, why is Akmal Saleh demanding explanations on behalf of Islam? Is he the official authority? Is he JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia)?” – April 13, 2024
