BY now, Malaysians have grown accustomed to UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s routine outrage whenever a whiff of “threat” to Malay and Islamic supremacy arises.
Whether it’s KK Super Mart’s socks bearing Allah inscription or “ham & cheese” sandwiches, the ultra-right Merlimau state assemblyman never fails to remind us that he is the self-appointed guardian of Islam and Malay rights.
Here’s the funny part – this Russia-trained doctor was silent when Pahang executive councillor Datuk Nizar Najib paraded in full Qing Dynasty emperor regalia at the Pahang-level 2025 Chinese New Year Festival closing ceremony on Feb 10.
Was he afraid because Nizar is the son of jailed former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak? After all, the Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman had pledged allegiance to Bossku by attending the Jan 6 “Solidarity with Najib Razak” rally in a personal capacity, defying UMNO’s official withdrawal.
Where was the righteous indignation about Malay leaders embracing “foreign” traditions?
Why weren’t there Facebook posts lamenting the dilution of Islamic identity? Why wasn’t there a media conference on how dressing as a Chinese emperor would corrupt young Malays?
A widely shared post highlighted Mohd Nizar Najib making a memorable appearance at a CNY event dressed as a Qing Dynasty emperor. His choice of attire was intended to convey a message of unity and cultural appreciation. He and his wife attended the closing ceremony of the 2025… pic.twitter.com/frYfplaQAL
— James Chin (@jameschin110) February 11, 2025
Deafening silence
Just last week, the government’s ill-fated attempt to introduce “guidelines” on Muslim participation in non-Islamic events sparked a national uproar. That move, rightly seen as an attempt to further segregate Malaysians, was met with intense backlash.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim eventually backtracked, realising that even among Malays, this was a step too far.
Yet here we have Nizar, a prominent Malay politician, gleefully playing dress-up as a Qing emperor yet suddenly, all those who love to cry “threat to Islam” have conveniently lost their voices.
Let’s be clear – there is absolutely nothing wrong with Nizar embracing the festive Lunar New year spirit. It’s a heartening sight when leaders from all communities join in cultural celebrations. But what’s infuriating is the blatant double standard.
Imagine had ex-PM and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin did the same, Akmal would probably have gone to town chastising away at how the Opposition had sold out the Malay community and “diluted” its culture.
But Nizar? He gets a free pass. Because in Malaysia, outrage is not about principles. It’s about politics.
So, where is Akmal’s legendary Malay-Islamic fervour now? Why hasn’t he declared this an insult to Malay culture? Shouldn’t UMNO Youth be issuing a stern warning against Malay politicians cosplaying as Chinese emperors (as there is semblance of waving China’s flag here)?
Or does your outrage have an on/off switch that only self-activates when it suits UMNO’s ’political interests?
So the next time Akmal and his gang start barking over some trivial non-issue, let’s remind them of this moment. The moment when their selective outrage was exposed for the farce that it is. – Feb 12, 2025
