UMNO Youth Chief, Dr Akmal Saleh, managed to visit the viral hardware store in Penang to “observe the giant Jalur Gemilang”, but it was more than that.
Despite PDRM’s advice, Akmal and his team gathered outside the store and chanted “Merdeka” multiple times while waving the Malaysian flags. He said the gathering was smooth but not without a small “provocation” when a Malaysian lawyers’ group emerged with placards, reminding the group from UMNO Youth not to “behave like Zionists.”
Lawyers For Liberty (LFL), led by its director Zaid Malek, were there to remind Akmal that “a mistake is not a crime”, while other placards, which had “stop the dirty politics” and “Malaysia rejects bullies”, were also spotted at the scene.
Despite the minor chaos, the PDRM and FRU (riot police) officers managed to de-escalate the situation. Akmal, however, was not happy with the placards, saying that Jalur Gemilang represents the Malaysians’ dignity.
“The one who turned the flag upside down is considered a hero, and those who protect the Jalur Gemilang are labelled Zionists!”
In one of Akmal’s recent Facebook videos, he shared the speech that he gave during the gathering, saying that he was not there to bully, but to send a clear message about the Malaysian flag. According to him, the gathering had to be held to send a clear message that such mistakes involving Jalur Gemilang are unacceptable.
“We urge the police to investigate. We also ask that this perpetrator be charged so that it can serve as a lesson for us.”
The gathering saw up to 500 participants, mainly from the UMNO Youth, but was also supported by several other political parties, including Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and its youth wing Armada Bersatu, and PAS.
At the rally, Akmal also urged for stricter laws and punishment for those who make mistakes when it comes to the Malaysian flag.
