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Rakyat Post
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Rakyat Post
Akmal Saleh: I Will Educate This 'Ah Pek' On How To Raise The Flag If…
Subscribe to our FREE A hardware store owner in Kepala Batas, Penang, was recently arrested for hoisting the Jalur Gemilang upside down in front of his establishment. The 59-year-old man was allegedly measuring the length of an iron pole and didn't realise the flag had been installed upside down. Speaking out about the viral incident on Facebook, UMNO Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh rushed authorities to charge the hardware store owner by this coming Wednesday (13 August). 'If there are no charges on this individual by Wednesday, then God willing on Thursday I will go and give a class to educate this 'ah pek' on how to properly hoist the flag,' he said, using a term for Chinese people to refer to the store owner. READ MORE: The Merlimau assemblyman then mentioned that he had intended to meet the hardware store owner, who was released on bail, yesterday (11 August) but is 'giving the matter some space' to 'let justice do its work'. 'Let this individual be charged and face justice in court. We respect the law. We will wait for the prosecutor to charge him. And hopefully, he will get charged under a Section of the law that gives a heavier penalty to this troublemaker,' Akmal added. Wee Ka Siong: 'We do not run this country on arbitrary deadlines set by politicians' President of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Wee Ka Siong called out Akmal through a Facebook post for theatening to 'personally educate' the Penang shop owner for hoisting the Malaysian flag upside down. Wee said respect for the national flag was not in question, but that enforcement must follow the rule of law instead of political ultimatums or personal threats. 'We do not run this country on arbitrary deadlines set by politicians,' he said. 'Public intimidation of this kind will only backfire. Instead of encouraging Malaysians to proudly display the flag, it will make them think twice. Why risk flying the flag if a mistake could lead to personal threats or self-incrimination?' Wee added. He then urged leaders to promote patriotism through education, example, and lawful action rather than acting as 'self-appointed enforcers'. What happens when you fly the Jalur Gemilang upside down? There are rules to how the Jalur Gemilang should be displayed, according to the Information Department (JaPen) and should anyone violate the terms, they could be penalised under these Acts: Act 414 – Emblems and Names (Preventions of Improper Use) Act 1963 Act 193 – National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949. Any individual who contravenes Section 3 of Act 414 is committing an offence, and upon conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM1,000. For the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, any who violate the terms may be subject to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, a fine not exceeding RM500 or both, if in the case of a person other than a corporate body. Rules for displaying the Jalur Gemilang JaPen published a simple infographic on how to fly the Malaysian flag correctly and within specifications of the law. It must be displayed horizontally and never upside down or vertically. Source: Additionally, there is a Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Focus Malaysia
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Siti Kasim wants Zahid to impose gag order on ‘Gollum' Akmal before he shames the Malays further
'PRECIOUS. My precious.' JRR Tolkien's cursed character in the epic Lord of the Rings, Gollum, was obsessed by the ring and would lie, steal and commit all manner of deceit just to get his hands on it. It was argued by Siti Kasim that those same characteristics were shared by UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh for his obsession with turning everything into a race row. In a YouTube video, the human right activist and lawyer could not hide her frustration and dismay at the latest upside-down flag fiasco which firebrand race and religion defender has gleefully latched onto. In the 10-minute clip, the aboriginal rights activist slammed certain politicians for creating racial strife with their never-ending sh*t-stirring. Referring to a hapless citizen's gaffe in flying an upside down Jalur Gemilang in front of his hardware store in mainland Penang, the lawyer could not hide her anger and disgust at how the narrative has unfolded. Cops succumbed to Akmal's pressure? The perpetrator, Feng Jin Zhen, has since explained that he was trying to measure the flag pole and the Jalur Gemilang was mistakenly hoisted the wrong way. There was no intention to offend whosoever with Feng having already apologised for this error. This was when Siti Kasim went on to urge UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to keep Akmal on a tighter leash, claiming that such pronouncements were shameful as they put all Malays in a bad light. After all, Feng was being patriotic given he was the only one seen putting up flag on the street in anticipation of the upcoming Merdeka Day – not the reverse as claimed by the Merlimau state assemblyman. A 59-year-old man has been arrested over an incident involving the Jalur Gemilang being displayed upside down. Penang police have received 16 reports nationwide, with 12 lodged in the state alone. Investigation papers will be submitted to the DPP with a recommendation for… — BFM News (@NewsBFM) August 10, 2025 In Siti Kasim's contention, Feng was being singled out simply because of his ethnicity. It was just a human error, nothing more. Resorting to tit-for-tat, the legal eagle wondered why didn't the authorities take swift and decisive action against other parties that have committed similar mistakes, most notably the Education Ministry. Putting Malays in bad light The 62-year-old social critic went on to ask at whose best were the cops acting. Were they spurred into action because Akmal had kicked up a fuss and had branded Feng an unpatriotic citizen? Stating that such hate-mongering was an embarrassment to the Malay community, Siti Kasim fumed that Akmal's action is merely a reflection of Malays being 'stupid and had no brains to think for themselves'. Instead of focusing on the US tariff war, inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, those with a nationalist agenda would pounce on any perceived misdemeanour committed by other races and blowing it out of proportion. Such 'Malay politics' was lacking in substance and reflect poorly on the community, she argued. As for the arrest of Feng, Siti Kasim contended that the cops got the wrong guy! They should have arrested Akmal instead for criminal intimidation as he had rallied other like-minded folks to join in a protest in front of Feng's store. Editor's note: Akmal had agreed to call off the protest rally since Feng has been arrested. By constantly targeting the Chinese community, Siti Kasim is of the view that it creates an environment that breeds animosity and communal hate. Is this the spirit of Merdeka? Worse yet, in light of this latest incident, many citizens have been put off from displaying the Jalur Gemilang this August lest a human error causes them to become public enemy numero uno. – Aug 12, 2025
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Akmal plans Penang trip to ‘teach' apek how to hang the Jalur Gemilang properly
UMNO Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said he would visit a Penang hardware shop on Monday after its owner, Feng Jin Zhen, was filmed holding the Malaysian flag upside down. Although Feng claimed it was unintentional while measuring a pole, Akmal dismissed the explanation, calling the men involved 'traitors' and inviting supporters to join him at the shop to 'teach' them how to hang the flag properly, using the term ah pek for the two elderly Chinese men. 'I'm coming this Monday, and I want to invite all my friends from across Malaysia to come to this ah pek's shop at 12 noon. 'We'll go to his shop on the condition that we bring the Malaysian flag so we can teach these two ah pek how to properly put up the Malaysian flag. 'So, you two ah pek, wait for me to come and teach you how to put up the Malaysian flag,' Akmal said in a Facebook post. A 20-second video of a man holding the Malaysian flag upside down went viral after being posted on Facebook, later shared by Akmal, urging government action against them. The Merlimau assemblyman sarcastically questioned if the men were PWDs, referencing a past DAP claim that a similar flag incident involved a disabled person. Police are investigating the case under multiple laws, including the Emblems and Names Act, the Minor Offences Act, and the Communications and Multimedia Act. —Aug 10, 2025 Main image: Free Malaysia Today
Focus Malaysia
3 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
DAPSY: Resolve flag blunder issue via law, not UMNO Youth's 'selective mob justice' manner
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
Focus Malaysia
6 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Flag blunder gives patriotic Akmal ammunition to position himself as an undisputed race, religion defender
AS SOON as a politician opens his mouth to speak on any issue – big or small – the whole matter becomes politicised. The latest storm to hit the headlines is the brouhaha over the national flag – the Jalur Gemilang – which was flown upside down at a Chinese-medium school. DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke claimed that 'certain quarters' were trying to politicise the incident but by virtue of his party status, he laid himself opened to prompt retaliation. UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh – the ever the party sentinel and warrior – returned fire, pointing out that Loke himself had politicised the issue by touching on the incident. Both politicians are playing politics but the more controversial of the two is Akmal who is ever on the look-out for sensitive issues to exploit and play to the gallery. True to form, Akmal went ballistic seeing the flag incident as a form of disrespect to your country. If you turned the flag upside down, it means you do not love your country. You have no fire of patriotism in your belly. Patriotism is such a loaded word today for it can be used or misused to suit one's political purpose. In the Malaysian context, when you say you are a patriot, it means you are largely fighting for your race and religion. Patriotic opportunist But when you say you are not patriotic, it connotes that you do not want to defend your country with your life. The argument can be further stretched to mean that you have no right to call Malaysia your home and must therefore be stripped of your citizenship or be treated like second-class citizens. It is not too difficult to fathom what Akmal is really aiming at when he beat his breast and screamed: 'I am a patriot!' The 'mistake' – accidental or not – happened in a Chinese-medium school and therein lies the crux of the matter: Akmal seems to be questioning the loyalty of an ethnic race, not just the students. Although the Education Ministry has promised a tough response against SJKC Chung Hua in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan where the incident took place, Akmal might have other ideas in mind. He, too, wants stern action to be taken but what type of punishment can satisfy his political appetite? Let's make an educated guess. At a time when the existence of Chinese-medium schools has always been questioned, Akmal perhaps wants to see all such schools transformed into national schools where, he believes, patriotism is deeply embedded. Political mileage If this becomes a reality, this UMNO tiger would receive a tremendous boost to his political ambition and could be well on his way to a higher rank in the party or even gets a shot at an important cabinet post in the future. Akmal picks and chooses which topic can light up the country and in patriotism, not tariff reduction (a difficult subject), for he finds this is an ideal platform to whip up a perfect storm. Like clockwork, the Barbarism SOP kicks in whenever we approach a 'sensitive' patriotic season. Say the wrong thing, share the wrong post, blink in the wrong direction — and congratulations, you're suddenly 'anti-national.' The witch hunt begins. Doesn't matter who you are, or… — Fahmi Yumi 🕊 (@kaiyumi42) August 6, 2025 Patriotism carries within it the seeds of race and religion and can readily catch the attention of the grassroots Malays when all this potent combination is exploited. Patriotism also means you must defend king and country and a flag represents the fighting spirit of the citizens. So, when Akmal sees a flag flying upside down, it is equivalent to burning it or stomping on it. And when the incident happened in a Chinese-medium school, it is unforgiveable because it seemingly calls into question the loyalty of the Chinese community. Akmal's diehard fans may even postulate that Chinese schools do not teach patriotism or inculcate its spirit in their pupils and therefore they pose a threat to national security in the future. This is a simplistic argument which does not carry much weight because the Chinese – and all the other ethnic communities for that matter – have always called Malaysia their home. They have long ago planted the flag of patriotism in this native soil to which they will live, work and die in this tanaair kita (our motherland) – with or without Akmal. – Aug 7, 2025 Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
