Student activists faced backlash after burning a cartoon caricature during the Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally on June 21 (Saturday) in Sabah.
The banner, which showed a cartoon version of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was set on fire along with a bold message that read, “MADANI protector of Sabah corruption.”
“Now Akmal wants to play hero?”
Following the incident, UMNO Youth Chief Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh slammed the participants, calling their actions cowardly and stupid.
In response, one of the social activists from the group hit back, saying he had personally contacted Akmal to arrange an open debate to discuss the issue further.
In an Instagram post, he publicly challenged and invited Akmal to face him at Rumah @mandiri.my in Petaling Jaya.
“Yesterday, it wasn’t enough that Kamil Munim challenged me to a debate but then backtracked and said we should meet first. Now, the UMNO Youth Chief wants to play hero? Iâm asking, sincerely, for the folks at @mandiri.my and @harammalaysia to help set up an open discussion between me and Akmal Saleh. Take it or leave it, bro. See you,” he wrote.
“Thanks for having the guts to face the students”
In a separate post, the social activist shared a screenshot of his conversation with Akmal, showing that both had agreed to hold the debate.
“I also personally reached out to brother Akmal to set up an open debate to settle this. So, is it the student who’s a coward, or the politician who’s the idiot? Thanks to brother Akmal for having the guts to face the students,” he wrote.
At the same time, he took a swipe at Kamil, calling him out for not following through on his own challenge.
“Now, brother Kamil Munim, when are you going to show up? Don’t play silent or act like youâre busy, you’re just the AMK chief, not the party leader. Don’t be a coward. Speak up and stop running from a proper face-off.”
The debate is set to take place on July 1.
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