'Don't be stupid': MCA's plan to score points hits Akmal snag

Summary

• Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh says he is willing to explain the alcohol sale curb expansion issue face-to-face with Perak MCA.

• Akmal tells Perak MCA info chief not to be “bodoh” (stupid).

Perak MCA’s attempt to score political points against DAP and PKR over the expanded restrictions on alcohol sales in Ipoh has encountered pushback from Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

The outspoken politician, known for his blunt remarks, advised Perak MCA information chief Chung Kok Heung not to be “bodoh” (stupid).

Responding to a Malaysiakini article highlighting Perak MCA’s comments, Akmal stated that Umno Youth is ready to clarify the issue.

“If you don’t understand, set the time and place, and we will explain it to you face-to-face,” he wrote on Facebook.

“Simple. Just don’t be stupid (Jangan jadi bodoh jer),” he added.

Akmal (above, left) further clarified that the alcohol ban applies only to Muslim-majority areas, emphasising that there are no restrictions on non-Muslims purchasing alcoholic beverages elsewhere.

“If you want to buy or sell alcohol, that’s your right. However, it should not be done in areas where the majority population is Muslim.

“I believe there is nothing prohibiting non-Muslims from drinking or buying alcohol, but it should not be sold or consumed in predominantly Muslim areas,” he added.

Why the denial?

Yesterday, Chung questioned why DAP and PKR leaders denied the restrictions despite confirmation from Ipoh mayor Rumaizi Baharin.

“How much longer will DAP and PKR continue to deceive the public?

“Is this ignorance or a deliberate attempt to hide the issue to mislead the people?” he asked.

Chung unleashed his salvo in response to Ipoh city councillor Wong Kar Keat from DAP and state exco Sandrea Ng of PKR seeking to assure the people that no decision had been made over the matter.

Under consideration

Over the weekend, the mayor said the Ipoh City Council approved a policy to conduct studies on requests from residents in Muslim-majority areas before enforcing alcohol sale bans.

He revealed that in 2020 and 2021, such a ban was implemented in the Manjoi area following widespread protests from residents.

Rumaizi further disclosed that similar demands have arisen in Ulu Chepor, where the population consists entirely of Malay Muslims.

“In principle, we agree,” he said.

However, the mayor added that other requests from Tambun, Rapat Setia, and Sungai Rokam are still under review.

He did not rule out the possibility of holding public hearings on the issue.

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