DAP’s Dr Boo Cheng Hau has urged UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh to shift his attention from race-related controversies to the economic issues affecting Malaysians, arguing that young political leaders should focus on the cost of living, jobs and economic leakages instead of divisive debates.
Dr Boo, the DAP Taman Ungku Tun Aminah branch publicity secretary, said Akmal’s position as UMNO Youth chief gave him a significant platform to champion issues that directly affect young Malaysians.
“Malaysia faces a much bigger economic challenge than racial bickering on social media,” he said.
His remarks come after Akmal was again drawn into controversy over his response to several Jalur Gemilang incidents during the Merdeka period.
Akmal had called for tougher action after an upside-down flag was flown at MCA Perak’s headquarters, arguing that an apology and a resignation were insufficient, while critics accused him of applying different standards to similar incidents involving political allies.
Dr Boo said political energy would be better spent addressing the country’s economic challenges, including illicit financial outflows highlighted in the Global Financial Integrity 2026 report.
He cited the report’s estimate that Malaysia recorded cumulative trade-value gaps of about US$871.8 bil between 2013 and 2022, saying the issue deserved serious national attention.
“When large amounts of money potentially leave the country through trade manipulation, tax evasion or other illicit channels, the consequences are ultimately felt by ordinary Malaysians,” he stressed.
He argued that such leakages reduced resources available for schools, hospitals, roads and social protection while placing law-abiding businesses at a disadvantage.
“I invite Akmal to jointly direct our political energy towards more impactful issues with productive solutions, instead of constantly finding new racial issues to divide Malaysians,” he urged.
Dr Boo also called on the government to improve the rollout of its e-Invoicing initiative by providing clearer explanations, easing compliance costs for small businesses and implementing the system in stages.
“The system must be simple, affordable and fair,” he said, adding that larger businesses should be prioritised if e-Invoicing was intended to tackle major forms of tax leakage.
He said young Malaysians were looking for better-paying jobs, affordable housing and stronger support for businesses rather than prolonged racial confrontation.
“Race may win a few headlines, but careful management of our economic progress is what will determine our children’s future,” he emphasised. ‒ Sept 8, 2026
Main image: Utusan Malaysia
