DAP heeds police call to stand down, urges action against defiant Akmal
State DAP chairperson Steven Sim said members and supporters were not mobilised, in line with Penang police chief Azizee Ismail's call for all parties to be patient and avoid actions that could cause tension.
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New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Anwar: Zero tolerance for bullying, incitement and racism
PUTRAJAYA: There will be zero tolerance for bullying, intimidation, incitement — including racism — and strict action will be taken against offenders, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at the 20th Civil Service Premier Assembly, Anwar warned that enforcement agencies entrusted with responsibilities but found unwilling or unprepared to act will be replaced with principled individuals. He said this was not a popularity contest but a matter of saving the nation. "Of late, there have been elements attempting to stoke racial and religious tensions, confusion caused by a lack of discernment, bullying in schools and healthcare departments, as well as cases of killings and deaths involving students and university undergraduates all of which are deeply troubling. "The cabinet has given its mandate, and I want to make it clear — whether it concerns the death of Zara in Sabah or the issue of the Jalur Gemilang, which we must honour and protect — these matters should not be exploited to inflame political tensions, or to criticise, insult, berate, or punish others without regard for rights or conscience," he said. "I urge and give clear instructions to all enforcement agencies: whenever there is an offender, whether a prominent figure, a politician, or an ordinary member of the public who is clearly involved in acts of intimidation or incitement, I say this: enough. "This is not a mere warning or reprimand. To safeguard the nation, firm and decisive action must be taken." Anwar said there must be consensus not only among enforcement bodies but across society, including parents, educators, and the public in matters peace and safety. He added that a nation driving robust economic growth cannot endure if the very pillars of its values and culture are eroding. "We have experienced seeds of division and the tragedy of racial riots. It often starts small. Today it might be the flag, in the past it could have been broadcasts or false news. Such things must never be allowed to happen," he said. Anwar reiterated that his administration would continue to guarantee the safety of all citizens regardless of race or religion and would never compromise on matters of violence. As such, he urged all parties to allow the authorities space to conduct investigations and to refrain from making unfounded assumptions that could prejudice cases. "Leave it to the wisdom of enforcement bodies. It's premature to point fingers, claiming it's the child of a certain VIP or this person or that. "Who are we to decide? We might as well shut down police stations if we think we can make all the decisions without any investigation.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
We just want to see the giant flag, Akmal quips amid police warnings
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh had said that he and other leaders would turn up outside the hardware store in Penang today to see if DAP had hung its flag correctly. PETALING JAYA : Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh brushed off police warnings to the public to stay away from the wing's gathering outside a hardware store in Penang today related to the upside-down Jalur Gemilang issue. 'We just want to come and see the giant flag and eat nasi kandar,' he said in a tongue-in-cheek post on Facebook. DAP had sponsored the giant Jalur Gemilang for the hardware shop in Kepala Batas after the owner was accused of hoisting the national flag upside down. Akmal previously said that he and other leaders would turn up outside the hardware store today to see if DAP had hung its flag correctly. Bersatu Youth also said that it would join its Umno counterpart. Penang police chief Azizee Ismail however urged all parties to wait for a decision on the matter by the deputy public prosecutor's office and to refrain from any actions that could heighten tensions. He also warned that police would take stern action against any party that breaches the law or commits a breach of peace, according to the relevant laws. Akmal previously threatened to protest at the shop if the owner was not charged by today, saying he would personally 'teach this 'Ah Pek' (uncle) how to put up a flag properly'. Civil society group Projek Sama subsequently urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene and rein in Akmal, to stop the Umno man's 'witch-hunt', especially if the shop owner was not charged over the issue.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Sim calls for cops to act against Akmal for defying order
Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim said Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh clearly defied the police order by holding a protest in front of a hardware shop in Kepala Batas today. PETALING JAYA : Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim has called for police action against Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh for defying a police directive and allegedly disrupting public order in Kepala Batas, Penang. Sim, who is also the human resources minister and deputy DAP secretary-general, said police had advised against any gatherings in the area. He said DAP had complied with the instruction and only sent local representatives to distribute Jalur Gemilang flags in conjunction with National Day celebrations. 'The protest was clearly in defiance of the police order and in breach of the law. It was a provocation that threatened public peace,' he said in a statement. Sim said Penang DAP would lodge a police report over the incident and urged the authorities to send a clear message that such behaviour would not be tolerated. Earlier this evening, Malaysiakini reported that Akmal and his wing members had gathered in front of a hardware store in Kepala Batas, Penang, whose owner was seen in a now-viral video hanging the Jalur Gemilang upside down. He had previously threatened to stage a 'class' to teach the man how to correctly fly the Jalur Gemilang if the man was not charged in court for his mistake. Police had advised against the protest, noting the shop owner had already apologised and explained the matter. Separately, former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy said Akmal was holding the country 'to ransom' over the incident. The Urimai chairman said in a statement that this was not Akmal's first act of 'intimidation and bullying', and that it would not be his last as long as law enforcement failed to act. He also criticised DAP's flag distribution efforts, calling it a misstep that gave Akmal an excuse to escalate tensions. The police also appeared to lack the will to contain the situation, he added. Yesterday, former deputy law minister Ramkarpal Singh questioned Akmal's apparent 'immunity' despite several police reports being lodged over his remarks on the upside-down flag and called for a sedition probe. He said Akmal had issued several 'extreme and unacceptable' statements, which were divisive and contained racial undertones that could threaten public order.
