DAPSY: Resolve flag blunder issue via law, not UMNO Youth's 'selective mob justice' manner

Focus Malaysia

4 days ago

Editor's Note: This is the reaction by DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) in response to UMNO Youth chief Datuk Muhamad Akmal Saleh over the latest flag blunder incident in Taman Bertam Perdana in Kepala Batas, Penang.
Following the latest incident of yet another Jalur Gemilang being flown upside down after an earlier one involving SJKC Chung Hua in Port Dickson, the outspoken defender of race and religion has rallied his movement to 'march down' to mainland Penang to school the 'two Ah Peks (elderly uncles) on how to fly the Malaysian flag'.
THE national level DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) strongly condemn the statement of UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh who urged the public to 'visit' a business premise located in Kepala Batas, Penang 'to right' the issue of the Jalur Gemilang being hung upside down.
This action not only gives the impression that Dr Akmal wants to act like an authority but such an approach itself does not uphold the rule of law.
National DAPSY therefore slams the hypocritical and double-standard attitude shown by Dr Akmal on the Jalur Gemilang issue.
Has the Melaka state EXCO ever mobilised the public to 'visit' the Education Ministry (MOE) and the Terengganu PAS headquarters which have also committed mistakes of a similar nature?
The answer is negative which clearly shows how hypocritical the current UMNO Youth chief is.
Malaysia is a constitutional country based on the rule of law. Any action that violates the law or regulations – including blunders in the flying of the Jalur Gemilang – should be dealt with according to existing procedures and regulations, not through actions that involve intimidation or 'mob justice'.
'Political gimmick'
Patriotic awareness cannot be fostered through threats but through consistent education.
DAPSY insists that action should be taken against lawbreakers in a manner consistent with the law.
However, the act of magnifying the issue and mobilising the public to 'teach the perpetrators a lesson' is just a political gimmick that does not benefit national unity. A representative of the people should play a role in uniting the people, not causing tension.
DAPSY believes that errors in flying the national flag constitutes an action that must be punished according to the law.
However, what is dangerous to the society today is the attitude of some politicians like Dr Akmal who chooses to politicise such issues for personal gain.
Our country does not need 'moral police'; instead, Malaysia needs leaders who prioritise peace, harmony and the integrity of the law.
On this note, National DAPSY calls on all parties, especially Dr Akmal who has repeatedly divided the multi-racial community, to stop the culture of confrontational politics which only creates hatred and division.
Our country will be more developed if we use the methods of dialogue, continuous education and willingness to obey the law. – Aug 10, 2025
Perak state assemblyman for Pasir Bedamar, Woo Kah Leong, is also the National DAP Socialist Youth (DASY) chief.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: Akmal Saleh/Facebook