DAP rep challenges Akmal to rise above racial politics
PETALING JAYA : DAP's Kerk Chee Yee has challenged Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh to rise above the politics of race and religion and become a leader for all Malaysians.
Kerk, who is the Melaka DAP publicity secretary and Ayer Keroh assemblyman, criticised Akmal for remarks that he said were 'divisive and regressive'.
'For the past two years, Akmal has found himself increasingly in the headlines, not for policies that unite, but for statements that polarise the people,' he said in a statement.
'Akmal had recently chided a few politicians, including myself, urging us to 'understand history' when we stated that Malaysia belongs to all Malaysians – a fact protected by our Federal Constitution since the nation's formation,' Kerk added.
He also referred to a resolution passed by 15 DAP branches in Melaka, which urged Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) not to field candidates who were 'extreme' in the next state election.
While they mentioned no names, the push against 'divisive' politicians appears to be aimed at the outspoken Akmal.
'Akmal (however) responded by stating that Umno will go all out to fight DAP, should DAP contest any state seat in the Jasin parliamentary constituency,' Kerk said.
Akmal is assemblyman for Merlimau, one of the five state seats under Jasin in Melaka. The remaining four state seats are Bemban, Rim, Serkam and Sungai Rambai.
Ethno-religious provocation
'At a time when Malaysia stands at a critical crossroad, facing economic uncertainty, frayed social cohesion, and a youth generation crying out for hope and opportunity, it is deeply disappointing that the Umno Youth chief appears more intent on playing the tired card of ethno-religious provocation instead of offering a vision of inclusive leadership,' Kerk said.
He urged Akmal to look to Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh as an example of how an Umno leader could govern inclusively.
'Since taking office as chief minister in April 2023 under the unity government in the state, he has adopted a no-nonsense approach to governance, preferring action over rhetoric,' Kerk said.
He added that Akmal, who 'has passion, youth, and a platform', now faced a clear choice.
'Will he use these assets to divide or to unite? The youth of Malaysia, regardless of race or religion, are not looking for leaders who shout louder; they are looking for those who think deeper,' he said.
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