'Keep quiet if you have nothing respectful or constructive to say,' DAP Youth chastises Akmal over OKU jab
Akmal had said earlier that stern action should be taken against a school in Port Dickson if it was proven that a disabled employee had been allowed to raise the Jalur Gemilang upside down on Friday.
In response to an article in which a DAP Youth leader had accused him being inconsistent and hypocritical by remaining silent when similar mistakes were made by those aligned with UMNO, Akmal had remarked: 'Please give these people a mirror and an OKU card too.'
In a statement on Wednesday (Aug 6), federal territories DAP Youth chief Yap Yee Vonne said the Merlimau assemblyman's comments were deeply offensive to the OKU community and implied that they were less worthy and capable than others.
'If Akmal has nothing respectful or constructive to say, then say nothing. As a leader, your words carry weight. Why choose to define and degrade an entire community in this way?' she asked.
'Even more troubling is the fact that Akmal is a medical doctor—someone who should understand that disability is a medical condition, not a choice. These remarks are not only unbecoming of a doctor but unacceptable from someone entrusted with public responsibility.'
According to Yap, the public and private sectors are increasingly working together to foster inclusivity and break the stigma around disability and initiatives to improve infrastructure, job opportunities, education access and representation are ongoing.
'As a member of the Melaka state government, Akmal should be joining hands in championing inclusivity, not reinforcing stereotypes,' Yap stressed.
'His perception is worrying. How can Malaysians trust leaders like him to craft and implement policies that are inclusive, fair, and just for all Malaysians, both able and non-able?'
The aforementioned school, SJKC Chung Hua, has since apologised for the incident, attributing the upside-down flag to staff oversight.
Lukut State Assemblyman (ADUN), Choo Ken Hwa had further clarified that the worker who had raised a Jalur Gemilang in an upside-down state is a differently-abled person.
Police are investigating the case under Section 504 of the Penal Code (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace), Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (improper use of network facilities or services). ‒ Aug 6, 2025
Main image: Free Malaysia Today
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