PM gives warning after damage done
Key Highlights
PM gives warning after damage done
MIC, MCA warming up to PN
PM gives warning after damage done
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gave a "warning" on Friday for authorities to take "strong action" against those who incite hatred in the country.
Though he shied away from naming names, he is most likely referring to Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh - who has been fanning racial sentiments over the two upside down Jalur Gemilang gaffes.
But just like in the previous rows over the KK Mart 'Allah' socks, Teresa Kok's remarks about halal certification, and guidelines for Muslims at interfaith events, Anwar is only speaking up after the damage is done.
The prime minister and his deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, had ample time to put their foot down and rebuke Akmal or call for calm.
But instead, Anwar's warning came a day after Akmal, Umno Youth, and Bersatu Youth staged a rally in Penang that forced a whole row of shops to close.
Akmal has been called up by police for investigations, but don't hold your breath.
The Umno Youth chief was also probed last year for sedition in the KK Mart socks row, but no charges were ever filed.
HIGHLIGHTS
MIC, MCA warming up to PN
While Akmal is busy scaring away non-Malays from supporting the government, BN's non-Malay components are also toying with the exit.
MIC is engaging in informal talks with Perikatan Nasional over its future.
Meanwhile, former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker - who has been antagonising the party leadership to quit BN - also had some kind words for PN-component PAS.
He said that compared to Akmal, the Islamist party appeared to be more rational and composed in their words and deeds.
This is, of course, ignoring all previous instances where PAS has fanned racial and religious sentiments against non-Malays and non-Muslims, of which there are too many to list.
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