UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has taken a jab at DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook who described him as “not at the same level” and that the latter has better tasks to manage than to respond to the Merlimau state assemblyman despite his repeated attacks on DAP leaders, including Loke himself.
“Anthony Loke has been frank. Akmal is of low level. No need to waste time responding to him to avoid affecting focus on important tasks,” penned the Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security EXCO on his Facebook page.
“Yes, you have a high position but don’t think that you can do as you please. Those of us who are considered to be of lowly positions will continue to speak out to defend our race, religion and nation no matter how big your position is, my dear Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
“Just earned yourself a rank and you have become arrogant. Kaduk naik junjung! (Malay proverb signifying a despisable person suddenly feeling himself to be noble).”
For context, Loke who is also the Transport Minister has shared his thoughts on Akmal during a recent Malaysiakini Chinese-language podcast earlier this month.
The Seremban MP further explained that as a minister and key government leader, he has more important tasks such as implementing government policies and economic improvements.
“I’m the top leader of the party, the secretary-general. If I had to react to every comment made by second- or third-tier leaders from either opposition or allied parties, I wouldn’t have time to do anything else as my attention would be constantly diverted,” asserted Loke who is also the Chennah state assemblyman.
“If I respond to him, it actually elevates his status. He’s just a youth chief, not a decision-maker, not a top leader of his party, not in the cabinet and not even an MP.”
Added Loke: “So, if our party needs to respond, there are people who can handle it. Our youth wing or other central committee members can respond.”
For the record, Akmal has a turbulent relationship with DAP despite both UMNO and DAP being key component parties in the Madani government.
The climax of this is when DAP vice-chairman and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok sued the so-called “King of Boycott” for RM25 mil in damages which is likely the first legal suit among Madani government partners overt their heated halal certification exchanges.
Recall that Akmal has arrogantly displayed a confrontational attitude by labelling/accusing Kok “Nyonya Tua” (literally Old Lady), “don’t you dare to touch our religion” and “bringing shame to the country” after she objected to the proposal by Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Na’im Mokhtar to make halal certification mandatory for all pork/alcohol-free food operators. – Nov 21, 2024
