Johor Harapan leaders worry Akmal will deter Mahkota's non-Malay voters

Two Johor Pakatan Harapan leaders have expressed concern that attacks against Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, particularly by Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, may hurt BN’s chances in the upcoming Mahkota by-election.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said the attacks on Kok by Akmal (above) and others, as well as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to chastise the DAP lawmaker, may upset non-Malay voters.

“Don’t be shocked if many Chinese Harapan supporters choose not to vote, just like in the Sungai Bakap by-election,” he said.

He then pondered whether Akmal was willing to accept whatever the outcome of the Mahkota polls would be.

Mahkota is a mixed constituency, where only 54 percent of voters are Malay, while another 35 percent are Chinese, and eight percent Indian.

Previously, in the Sungai Bakap by-election, Chinese voter turnout was lower than expected and seen as a protest vote against the Madani government and Anwar’s fixation on Malay voters at the expense of their non-Malay supporters.

Kok is under fire after she criticised a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for all eateries and food businesses that don’t sell pork or alcohol.

Kok and others had argued that such a plan would impede many businesses, including Muslim-owned ones.

The DAP lawmaker also said that such a rule would interfere in customers’ right to choose, and make Malaysia an object of ridicule.

Akmal was among those who lashed out at her, calling the Seputeh MP a “Nyonya tua” (old Nyonya) and threatening to paste a “non-halal logo” on her forehead.

‘Gangster’ Akmal

Johor DAP vice-chief Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, in a statement today, said that Akmal’s attempts to be “anak jantan” (manly man) instead showcase him as a rude Muslim.

Like Hassan, he too worried that the Umno Youth chief will have an unwanted effect on voters.

“I have met voters this week, and the response I got was very concerning.

“Non-Malay voters especially, are very uncomfortable with Akmal’s approach.

“What’s more surprising is that there are also Malay voters who are not comfortable with Akmal whom they consider a ‘gangster’,” he said.

Sheikh Umar said in a mixed seat like Mahkota, the Madani campaign must be moderate and celebrate unity in diversity, and not be centered on who is more “anak jantan”.

As such, he said Umno must manage Akmal - whom he said represented the party and is not just an individual.

Likewise, Hassan said that Akmal must also calm down and make peace with the fact that Malaysia is a multiracial country.

He noted that while Kok is being investigated for 3R (race, religion, royalty), DAP remained committed to campaigning for BN’s victory in Mahkota.

Nomination day for the Mahkota by-election is this Saturday, with polling on Sept 28.

Umno will be representing BN to defend the seat, while Perikatan Nasional is fielding a Bersatu candidate.

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