With Dr Akmal and Teresa’s feud elevating to a court case, a DAP politician blames the UMNO Youth Chief for the low turnout of Chinese voters during the recent by-election in Mahkota, Johor.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Pakatan Harapan’s Liew Chin Tong said Chinese voters in the district decided not to show up for the by-election to cast their votes as a sign of protest towards UMNO. Other reasons for the low turnout also included voters who work in other states and couldn’t make it back home for the election.
According to Liew, only 49% of Chinese voters turned up on the election day on September 29, while 61% of Malay voters and 48% of Indian voters showed up to carry out their due diligence.
“Up to you lah, it’s your party”
Dr Akmal, who is well aware of Liew’s remark took to his Facebook account and responded to his statement by rhetorically asking if he were to be blamed for the low turnout in other districts as well.
“The by-election in Sungai Bakap (Penang) in July also had low turnout of Chinese voters. Was that Dr. Akmal’s fault too when he was not even there?”
The UMNO Youth Chief then mentioned Teresa again, saying Liew should’ve asked her about her Halal certificate remarks that may have caused the low turnout of Chinese voters. Dr Akmal also highlighted that the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) has set an example that DAP should follow – working hard.
“So, you still want to blame me? Up to you lah, it’s your party. Most importantly, UMNO will work hard to be better to gain the people’s trust, and we’ll be strict in protecting the principles of the race and religion.”
Do you think the Akmal-Teresa feud has contributed to the low turnout of Chinese voters?
Also read: “You want me to apologise? In your dreams!” – Dr Akmal Says Teresa Kok is Playing the Victim