COMMENT | Who could end Umno Youth chief's continuous tirade?

COMMENT | They had been in each other’s crosshairs for more than five decades. One was accused of promoting communist ideology, and the other wasted no time in retorting with accusations of its leader being involved in corruption.

It is said that there are no permanent enemies in politics, and no one ever imagined that they come together as two peas in a pod. To use Bahasa Malaysia terminology, they have become macam abang-adik (like brothers).

The past was erased as if it were forever. Despite a lone ranger from one side delivering body blows and hitting below the belt, the other side neither retaliated nor attempted to get even.

A sign of weakness or self-restraint. Either way, there is only one loser.

On Saturday, DAP supremo Lim Guan Eng posted a photograph on social media with the caption: “Both DAP national chairperson, deputy chairperson (Gobind Singh Deo) savouring the victory of the unity government in the Mahkota by-election in Penang with Jelutong MP (RSM Rayer). Together in solidarity, camaraderie, and loyalty.”

But that togetherness was rudely interrupted by the rabble-rouser from the other side whose instincts were contained voluntarily or on instructions from the party leaders in the lead-up to the by-election.

Hours later, ahead of his questioning by the police over his response to DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok concerning the halal certification issue, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh blew to smithereens the togetherness statement Lim endorsed.

When villain becomes hero

In a Facebook post, the politician, who had kept a low profile during the by-election campaign, came out with all his guns blazing.

“I will never surrender, let alone apologise. Because I was taught to defend religion, race, and my motherland even if I have to put my life on the line,” he declared.

Targeting Kok, Akmal said: “You created a problem, and you want to play the victim. Let’s meet in court.”

Two days later, Johor DAP chairperson Liew Chin Tong incurred Akmal’s wrath by claiming that Akmal and Kok’s verbal spat over the halal issue had caused Chinese voters to be angry and disappointed, and hence, they did not come out to vote.

“Even in the Sungai Bakap by-election, Chinese voters did not vote. Is that also Dr Akmal Saleh’s fault? Even though Akmal is not in Sungai Bakap?

“You should ask your leader who issued a statement that disturbs the peace of the country, not blame the person who responded to your leader’s statement,” charged Akmal.

Again, there was hardly a whimper from the DAP leaders, who are widely said to have zipped their mouths to express solidarity with their Umno brethren.

Are those who called the once powerful opposition party MCA 2.0 surprised?

Akmal likened his outburst to the need for Umno to continue to change for the better so that we earn the people’s trust.

“We remain firm in defending the principle of protecting Islam and the nation regardless of who we are friends with,” he said.

Is such behaviour necessary?

Defend Islam and anything you believe in, but as I asked in a previous column: “But then, does this give one the right to use such audacious and imprudent words to express such feelings?

“Do common sense and etiquette disappear when you put forward your or your party’s views?”

Academic Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi provided some answers.

In Akmal’s universe, he said, heroes are uncouth, rude, and disrespectful.

“Unfortunately, he fails to see that these are the characteristics associated with villains,” he told Malaysiakini.

Tajuddin repeated my question by asking: “The simple question is, why can’t he express his disagreement in a civil manner without resorting to insults and demeaning remarks?

There has been stoic silence from Akmal but a continuous tirade using the same old mantra of “protecting race, religion, and his motherland” as if they are under siege.

What he wants is a passive society that plays deaf and dumb and condones his haughtiness and uncivilised language.

How long more will DAP stay silent?

But where are the loud noises and statements from DAP? Have they lost their voices, or are they playing dumb and taking the “we will sort it out internally route”?

Where will this take the party? Although it has more MPs than Umno, it has remained silent when policies have been announced without consultation.

But remaining silent is not an option. It has deteriorated from being perceived as a top dog in politics to being a lap dog.

The nation cannot tolerate such outbursts from time to time. They cause hurt and unhappiness and waste precious time, effort, and money needlessly.

Does Umno care enough for a united government to quell such upsurges? Don’t the leaders and party elders care about the future?

Yes, maybe. But who will bell the cat? But then, the party uses such people when needed.

R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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