UMNO Youth should lead with reason, not ultimatums
Taking the law into one's own hands in whatever form, manner or posturing risks eroding trust in both the justice system as well as the image of both Barisan Nasional (BN) and UMNO.
As a future top-ranking leader in UMNO and also BN, Akmal should show his statesmanship by being seen to be rational, rounded and responsible carrying out the duty of protecting the party's reputation among all Malaysians.
UMNO have lost votes of these fair-minded majority who value peace, harmony, and the rule of law and alienated these middle educated group whose base have expanded as a result of being seen to be 'bullying, brutish and radical' in their political posturing especially towards the minority groups.
This is not a good optic for UMNO and BN as even UMNO's support among Malay voters are dwindling and BN has been losing grounds.
Of late even PAS and Bersatu have been more mindful to the sensitivities of the minorities. Is UMNO making the same mistake of alienating minorities thinking that their new partner, UMDAP have locked up these votes?
Will UMNO potentially kill off DAP supporters the way they killed MCA and MIC with similar theatrics and antics?
Under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution, decisions to prosecute lie solely with the Attorney General and must be free from political interference.
Issuing deadlines or threats for legal action risks being seen as taking the law into one's own hands, which could damage public trust not only in our justice system but also in UMNO and BN.
True statesmanship is shown through calm, reasoned leadership that allows due process to take its course, not by ultimatums that can be perceived as intimidation or selective bullying.
After all, did Akmal forget that his party, too, recently made a flag blunder?
While it was not an upside-down flag, it was recently pointed out that a poster on the Pemuda UMNO Negeri Terengganu Facebook page had carried a Jalur Gemilang with only 12 stripes, while it should be 14 of alternating red and white stripes.
Welfare, as they say, starts from home—shouldn't the Merlimau exco educate his UMNO Youth wing first?
We encourage Akmal to lead UMNO Youth as a voice for rational and solution-oriented politics, earning respect across the political spectrum and uniting rather than dividing Malaysians.
Akmal's leadership should aim to put BN in better stead with fair-minded Malaysians and not pandering to a smaller or narrower group and in the process deepening the national divide due to stereotyping.
The act of magnifying the issue and mobilising anger and hatred targeting a specific 'ethnic' and ignoring others who made similar mistakes is not an altruistic or patriotic act.
Mobilising the public to 'teach the perpetrators a lesson' selectively is just a political gimmick that does not benefit national unity.
Putting aside possible errors or mistakes, giving guidance and raising consciousness and awareness of the national flag is not the job of the Melaka state exco and can be done extensively and nationally by mobilising the party machinery if indeed the intention is bona fide and in good faith. ‒ Aug 13, 2025
Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker is a former MCA vice-president and a former deputy youth and sports minister.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image : Malay Mail
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