Penang DAP call for action against Akmal for defying police directive
State DAP chairman Steven Sim described the march as provocative and unlawful, saying it undermined efforts to foster unity during the Merdeka month.
"DAP Penang urges police to take action against him to send a message that such provocations will not be tolerated in this country, especially during the Merdeka month.
"We will lodge a police report over today's (yesterday's) incident," he said.
Sim said the procession was held despite a directive from the Penang police chief advising against any gatherings in the area yesterday.
He said that while DAP respected the police's instruction and refrained from mobilising members and supporters, only local representatives were present in Kepala Batas to distribute the Jalur Gemilang as part of Merdeka-month celebrations.
Yesterday afternoon, Akmal led more than 300 Umno, Bersatu and Pas supporters on a 1.4km march with the Jalur Gemilang in hand, chanting "Pertahan Jalur Gemilang" and "Merdeka" along the way.
The event followed a recent controversy involving an upside-down Jalur Gemilang at a hardware store here.
On Wednesday, state police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail warned the public against joining the gathering, urging them to stay away for safety reasons and to preserve public order, and to await the prosecutor's decision on the case.
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