Those riding on upside-down flag issue are 'syok sendiri' says Rafizi
Speaking on his podcast, "Yang Berhenti Menteri", Rafizi said the public wanted leaders with a clear mission, not just those who held demonstrations.
He questioned how long Dr Akmal planned to "ride" the issue.
"Take Dr Akmal, for example. Bringing a crowd to bully and intimidate an old man will not solve the problem," Rafizi said.
"I see those riding on the upside-down flag, trying to turn it into a political issue are those who are 'syok sendiri'."
He said the issue was being blown out of proportion while other matters were not being taken seriously.
Rafizi said that if Dr Akmal continued to sensationalise the issue, it would not last long.
On Thursday, Dr Akmal led more than 300 supporters from Umno, Bersatu, and Pas in a 1.4km march to protest a hardware store that had displayed the national flag, the Jalur Gemilang, upside down.
The store owner, Pang Chin Tian, 59, had already apologised for the incident last Saturday, saying it was unintentional.
Pang has since put up a larger Malaysian flag outside his shop as a mark of his "love and respect for the country".
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the march amounted to "bullying and intimidation" against Pang.
He also instructed the party's members to lodge police reports against Dr Akmal under various sections of the Penal Code, including for criminal intimidation.
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