JOHOR DAP state committee member Dr Boo Cheng Hau wants nationalistic UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh to apologise to all Malaysians for his failure to grasp the truth and respect the constitutional rights of multi-faith Malaysians.
This comes about as the Cabinet has decided against making halal certification compulsory for all restaurants in line with Article 3 of the Federal Constitution which guarantees the freedom of religion while Islam remains as the official religion.
“The Federal Constitution should be the highest guiding principle for any government policies,” the former two-term Skudai state assemblyman pointed out in a media statement.
“As such. Akmal not only has to apologise to Teresa Kok (DAP vice-chairman and six-term Seputeh MP) personally by settling their disagreement and legal battle amicably.
“The Cabinet’s decision not to make halal certification for non-pork selling eateries mandatory proves that Kok’s concerns over the matter were based on the rule of law and the constitutional rights of all Malaysians.
“Her views reflect the concerns from all walks of life as the people, including both Malay and non-Malay small businesses are facing economic hardship. Racial and religious bigotries have further jeopardised economic recovery.”
Additionally, Dr Boo also wanted Akmal to apologise to all Malaysians for failing to grasp the truth and respect the constitutional rights of multi-faith Malaysians as well as his inability to demonstrate a mature leadership as one of the country’s potential future leaders and “to avoid repeating dark politics of the past”.
The medical doctor with a private practice in Skudai also called on the UMNO Youth head honcho to apologise categorically to all Malaysians for his failure to acknowledge the power of Malay rulers in administering religious matters and the protection of freedom of religion in this country.
“This is crucial in order to salvage Barisan Nasional (BN) from a negative mood or poor turnout among voters in the upcoming (Sept 28) Mahkota by-election,” stressed Dr Boo.
“Malaysians should not be bogged down by inflammatory racist and fanatic bigotries in order for the country to move forward as an advanced nation. Therefore, there is a need to uphold the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.” – Sept 22, 2024
