Don't import Akmal-Teresa spat, Sabah Umno chides DAP leader

Sabah Umno does not want the heated exchange between Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok to travel across the South China Sea.

Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin’s political aide Abdul Aziz Julkarnain said the issue should not become a condition for the cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and BN in the upcoming state polls.

“We are not desperate (to collaborate with Harapan).

“But this is a question of responsibility to ensure that the political situation in the country remains stable for the well-being of the people,” he added.

He was responding to Sabah DAP committee member Chan Foong Hin, who said that mutual respect is important in establishing cooperation and cited Akmal’s insult against Kok as an example.

Aziz (above), who described Chan’s remarks as arrogant and not reflective of Harapan’s stand, also stated that it “takes two to tango”.

“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the chairperson of Harapan, had reprimanded Kok for publicly raising sensitive issues.

“There are correct channels to express such opinions. Making it public only erodes ties between the races,” he added.

On the halal certification issue, which ignited the fireworks between Akmal and Kok, he said that it was mooted to give confidence to Muslim customers in choosing food items regardless of the background of the operators of eateries.

“It is not a question of discrimination but rather to avoid confusion,” he said.

When Teresa questioned the proposal to make the certification mandatory, Akmal retaliated by calling her an “Old Nyonya” and suggesting that a “non-halal logo be stuck on her forehead” for meddling in Islamic matters.

Subsequently, the cabinet has since decided that halal certification would remain voluntary as before.

‘Sabah politics not like in peninsula’

Aziz advised Chan to understand that the political dynamics in Sabah are different from those in Peninsular Malaysia.

“Sabah is known for its high racial and religious tolerance. Never, ever bring the political approach in the peninsula over here.

“If you wish to cooperate, do it with sincerity, not by flexing your political powers,” he added.

Aziz said Sabah Umno hopes all quarters would focus on constructive cooperation and that all political differences should be resolved in a mature and responsible manner.

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