Latest news with #KerkCheeYee
Free Malaysia Today
30-05-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
On the Akmal-Kerk exchange, the chips are getting better bluer
From Terence Netto The latest exchanges between Umno Youth leader Dr Akmal Saleh and DAP Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee show signs of heading towards where democratic discourse could become – a prod towards alleviation. In response to Kerk's challenge to Akmal to be 'a leader for all Malaysians', Akmal has asserted he is already such a leader, citing how he has helped his constituents in Merlimau regardless of their race or religion. The good thing about the tenor of these exchanges is that they induce the protagonists to expand the ambit of their concerns. This is a plus point because it goads them to want to be seem bigger than the concerns that impel them: in Akmal's case, the issues that concern the Malays; and in Kerk's case, the ones that typically consume the attention of a DAP rep – mother tongue education and the like. This invitation to be expansive gradually draws the protagonists to see the bigger picture, a process that would make them soften the edges of partisanship and see people as individuals and not as members of a bloc. In fact, one can see the effects of this process in Akmal's posting on Facebook: 'I have no issues with the Chinese or Indians. In fact, I help everyone equally, regardless of their race.' Sceptics may see this kind of talk as rhetorical exaggeration, normative to politicians. But in a polarised society, this hyperbole is preferable to bald assertions of fact. What is at work is that the speaker is being tempted to go beyond the boundaries of his core concerns. Akmal lambasts Kerk as a 'narrow-minded' politician who keeps on 'threatening the racial harmony that we share'. This claim is a bit tricky because it's loose and lacks substantiation, but it is excusable because in our racially divided polity, this kind of talk is difficult to banish. However, if the speaker does not confine his spiel to only this kind of porousness, but instead leaves room for alleviation by claiming he has gone beyond narrow sectarianism in his actions, you have the beginnings of fruitful dialogue. After implying that Akmal is an 'extremist', perhaps Kerk should go beyond mere criticism and think of some endeavour or project that invites collaboration between DAP and Umno Youth. He could obtain the help of the chief minister of Melaka, Ab Rauf Yusof, of whom Kerk has a benign view. He describes Rauf as an 'inclusive' politician. The latter has been in politics for a long time and should have some ideas to encourage Kerk in a quest for collaboration rather than just criticism of Akmal. Just as Kerk has challenged Akmal to rise above sectarianism, so he should also rise above mere antagonism towards the Umno Youth leader. Terence Netto is a senior journalist and an FMT reader. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
Free Malaysia Today
27-05-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Akmal fires back at ‘narrow-minded' Melaka DAP rep
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh urged DAP assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee to reflect on his own party. PETALING JAYA : Dr Akmal Saleh has hit back at Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee after the latter challenged the Umno Youth chief to become a 'leader for all Malaysians'. Akmal said he was already a leader 'for all races', citing the way he has helped his constituents of various backgrounds equally, regardless of their skin colour, ethnicity or religion. 'I have no issues with the Chinese or Indians. In fact, I help everyone equally, regardless of their race,' he said in a video posted on Facebook. 'My issue is when some leaders try to disturb my religion and my race, (which have special privileges) enshrined in the Federal Constitution. I would be a coward if I don't defend my religion and race from such leaders. 'I have issues with leaders like (Kerk) who are narrow-minded and keep on threatening the racial harmony that we share,' the Melaka executive councillor said. Akmal, the Merlimau assemblyman, also parried Kerk's jab on being a 'narrow factional voice', urging the DAP man to reflect on his own party. 'Look in the mirror so that DAP would become a (party that champions) all races by respecting the sensitivities in this country. Before asking others to respect you, please respect what's enshrined in the constitution.' Earlier, Kerk challenged Akmal to rise above the politics of race and religion and become a leader for all Malaysians, saying the Umno man's past remarks had been 'divisive and regressive'. The Melaka legislative assembly's deputy speaker said Akmal should offer a vision for inclusive leadership instead of playing the same old card of ethno-religious provocation. Kerk also called for the Umno man to look to Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh as an example of how an Umno leader could govern inclusively.
Free Malaysia Today
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
DAP rep challenges Akmal to rise above racial politics
Melaka DAP publicity secretary Kerk Chee Yee criticised Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh for making 'divisive and regressive' statements. 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.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
202 male cats neutered in 24 hours: CSR effort in Melaka sets Malaysian record
MELAKA: A cat neutering initiative here has earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) after successfully neutering 202 male cats within a 24-hour period. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme was made possible by Cat Supermarket in Paya Rumput here. Its managing director Datuk Chew Chert Fong, said the CSR initiative was aimed at controlling the stray cat population and ease the financial burden faced by animal shelters. "This is a crucial step towards reducing the number of stray cats we often see at eateries and along the streets. "The neutering service was given free of charge," he said after the MBOR recognition ceremony that was officiated by Melaka Legislative Assembly Speaker Kerk Chee Yee on Tuesday (May 20). Chew said the initiative also helps lessen the burden on cat rescuers and animal shelters in covering neutering costs, while making it easier for these cats to be adopted. Meanwhile, Dr Juliyana Abu Sari, who led the veterinary team, said the procedures were carried out in phases following health screenings that began two weeks prior. 'After the screenings, a total of 202 cats were successfully neutered within 24 hours by a team of five veterinarians and seven surgical assistants. "Of the cats involved, 60 were from three animal shelters, while the rest were rescued strays and owned pets," she said. Dr Juliyana noted that her team strongly supports neutering initiatives, especially in light of the growing stray population and the increasing number of animals housed in shelters, a trend that has worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Unity coalition in Melaka to resolve issues amicably, says state Deputy Speaker
MELAKA: Any issues affecting the unity coalition between Barisan Nasional and the Pakatan Harapan-led state government will be resolved amicably within the existing cooperation framework, says Kerk Chee Yee. The Melaka Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker said that both parties are committed to maintaining this framework. "We will adhere to the model established by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to uphold our working relationship," he said on Wednesday (May 21) after officiating a Malaysia Book of Records ceremony at Cat Supermarket in Paya Rumput for providing free neutering services for 202 male cats. Kerk, also the Melaka DAP Publicity Secretary, said all lawmakers from both political coalitions are committed to ensuring the success of the unity framework. He said that while differences of opinion may arise among coalition partners, efforts will always be made to resolve them amicably. The Ayer Keroh assemblyman responded to reporters' questions about a resolution passed by 15 Jasin DAP branches, supporting unity government candidates on the condition they refrain from engaging in 'extreme' politics that could divide the people. The resolution was passed unanimously during the Jasin DAP Annual General Meeting on Saturday (May 17), attended by Melaka DAP Chairman Khoo Poay Tiong and Kerk himself. Following the AGM, Jasin DAP released a statement affirming that all 15 branches would not tolerate any party or politician promoting hatred and division. Kerk said that the statement was general and not directed at any individual politician, emphasising that it aimed to reject divisive politics. "Hence, there is no need to start finger-pointing or challenging anyone to contest anywhere, as the statement didn't target anyone specifically," he added. Earlier, Kerk said the mass neutering of male cats was commendable and encouraged responsible pet ownership.
