A Chinese primary school recently came under fire after the Malaysian flag was accidentally hung upside down by a disabled (OKU) worker.
Following the incident, a local Malay outlet reported that DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) leader Yap Yee Vonne said UMNO Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh had directly offended and insulted the OKU community with his remark: “Please give them a mirror and an OKU card too.”
“Please read my full statement carefully”
Akmal later clarified that his comment was directed at DAPSY, not the OKU community. He also took a jab at Yee Vonne, stressing the importance of understanding Bahasa Malaysia, suggesting that she had misunderstood what he meant.
In response, Yee Vonne pointed out that the media had mistakenly implied the “mirror” was meant for the OKU community, further fueling the misunderstanding. However, she noted that the media has since corrected the error.
“I really appreciate Malaysia Gazette for fixing their original article, which had sadly been used as ammunition to attack me,” she said.
The article containing the misinterpreted information
The updated article
She also left a message for Akmal and his associates:
“To Akmal and friends, please read my full statement carefully, it was released in both English and Bahasa Malaysia. At no point did I ever say that you wanted to give an OKU card or a mirror to the OKU community.”
“Do not divert from the real issue”
Yee Vonne later reminded Akmal to never use the term “OKU” as an insult or label, whether it’s aimed at DAPSY or anyone else.
“My message is simple and clear: ‘OKU’ represents a community of Malaysians who deserve dignity and respect, not to be mocked. If you still don’t get it, go read Zaid Ibrahim’s statement because it says the exact same thing. And I’m sure you’re not about to question his grasp of Bahasa Malaysia too, right?”
She added that the reason she issued her statement was to defend the OKU community’s dignity, and not to gain political mileage or support.
“Spin it however you like, I’ll keep standing up for the OKU community. And no, it’s not for more likes on social media.”
DAP Socialist Youth
“I speak Bahasa respectfully, without having to insult others”
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, Kusha from DAPSY Malaysia also weighed in on Akmal’s response, saying that she always speaks Bahasa Malaysia with full courtesy and never in a way that belittles others.
Kusaaliny Mahendran
She also urged the rest of the UMNO committee to clarify whether they support Akmal’s actions.
“I’m happy to share that I received 10As in my SPM results, including for Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah. I’m also proud to say that I’m fluent in Bahasa Malaysia, and I speak it with full courtesy, never in a way that insults a group over something beyond their control. I’m calling on the rest of the UMNO committee to declare whether they stand by Akmal’s actions.”
Also read: Dr Akmal Tells DAPSY to Learn Bahasa Melayu After They Told Him to Resign Over “OKU Card” Remark
