A hardware store owner in Jalan Bertam Perdana, Kepala Batas, Penang, recently went viral after hanging the Jalur Gemilang upside-down in front of his shop.
The 59-year-old was arrested on August 9 and released on police bail the next day (August 10).
Akmal Saleh led a protest outside the shop
Many people have shared their thoughts on the incident, including UMNO Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who strongly criticised the hardware store owner’s actions.
Just yesterday (Aug 14), Akmal led a gathering in front of the shop, despite warnings from the Inspector-General of Police and the Penang Police Chief against holding any gatherings.
In response, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke slammed Akmal’s actions, calling them bullying and intimidation towards the trader, even though the trader has already apologised and the investigation is still ongoing.
“Akmal’s disregard for police warnings was also a clear defiance of the rule of law and a disruption to public order, causing unease among traders in the area and forcing some to close earlier than usual,” Loke said.
The shop owner
“Bullying is not the right way to handle the issue”
Loke said such actions cross the line of both the law and the values of Malaysia’s multiracial society, and that strong action should be taken against this kind of extreme behaviour.
“Therefore, I’m instructing DAP Youth (DAPSY) nationwide to file police reports on yesterday’s incident under Section 503 of the Penal Code (criminal intimidation), Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace), and Section 505 (statements likely to cause public mischief).”
He added that reports will also be filed under the new anti-bullying provisions, Section 507B of the Penal Code for causing harassment, distress, fear, or anxiety, and Section 507C for using words likely to cause such effects.
“I want to stress again that the Jalur Gemilang, as a symbol of national sovereignty, must be flown correctly and with full respect. But intimidation, bullying, and creating tension are not the right ways to handle this issue.”
“Bring it on”
Akmal has since hit back at Loke in a Facebook post, saying the gathering he led was peaceful and that “no pictures of any leaders were stepped on”.
“Back when you were in the opposition, the police gave even more instructions and advice not to gather. But you still went ahead anyway, so could you also be charged back then for defying the police chief’s orders? You even overturned cars and stepped on pictures of government leaders at the time,” he wrote.
He then dared Loke to file a police report, saying he’s more than ready to cooperate.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!
