'Arrest Akmal for sowing seeds of racial discord, instigating mob justice, stirring dissent'

Focus Malaysia

a day ago

THIS is no longer normal. The behaviour of UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has dangerously crossed into perilous territory – inciting division and legitimising violent vigilantism. It is time for the police to arrest Akmal.
Malaysia's national flag, the Jalur Gemilang, is a symbol of federal integrity, unity and respect.
It should unite Malaysians, not become a weapon in political theatrics. Yet, Akmal has wielded it to create fear and division.
In Penang, he threatened 'to educate' a shop owner publicly for unintentionally hoisting the flag upside down unless charges were pressed.
He incited his followers online 'to visit' the shop owner – an act thar could lead to violence. Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) Malaysia denounced Akmal's act as 'bullying, vigilantism and a public call for mob action'.
But hypocritically, Akmal remained silent when the Terengganu UMNO Youth circulated a campaign poster featuring a Jalur Gemilang flag with only 12 stripes instead of 14 – a clear act of disrespect.
His double standard is absolutely shocking: Akmal demanded apologies and legal action in one case but tolerated mistakes within his own political party. Such inconsistency reveals that Akmal's outrage is selective against Malaysia's minority communities, not principled or universal.
Long arm of the law
This is not harmless political grandstanding – it is a threat to public order and potentially violent.
His selective anger sends this message: some mistakes are punishable by public shaming, others are ignored if politically expedient. This paves the way for vigilantism and legitimises intimidation. Malaysians deserve respect for institutions, not fear of retribution.
Worse still, Akmal's actions have tangible consequences. A recent controversy – his boycott call against KK Super Mart over 'Allah inscription on socks' – provoked extremist responses, including violent petrol-bomb attacks on multiple KK Mart outlets.
When a public figure stirs fervent sentiment without accountability, people get harmed. Adding to this troubling pattern, he has recently made remarks derogating OKU (people with disabilities) by showing a disregard for their dignity and rights of some of Malaysia's most vulnerable citizens.
Let us never forget our legal protections: Malaysian law punishes reckless incitement. Under Section 504 of the Penal Code, any act or speech that intentionally insults or provokes and is likely to breach the peace may incur up to two years' imprisonment, a fine or both.
In addition, under the Sedition Act 1948, any statement with a 'seditious tendency' – including those that create hostility between races or undermine the authority of government – can lead to imprisonment of up to three years, a fine or both.
The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) and the police should be urged to act now – not to silent dissent but to shield Malaysians from political opportunism that risks unity and public safety.
Holding politicians accountable regardless of stature or title, protects the sanctity of our national symbols and the cohesion of our society.
Arrest Akmal. Let the justice system – fair, fearless and neutral – deliver judgment. Malaysia's harmony depends on it. – Aug 14, 2025
Corruption Watch is a reader of Focus Malaysia.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: N19 Jason Hng 方美铼 இங் மூய் லாய்/Facebook