Don confers top prize to Akmal - for setting new low in Malay politics

Summary

• Academic Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi criticises the Umno Youth chief over his “better to die” remark.

• He suggests that Umno teaches its young leaders “respect, diplomacy and decorum”.

Academic Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi remarked that Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has managed to lower the bar even further when it seemed impossible for him to sink any lower.

"After 30 years of observing Malay politics, I thought I had seen and heard it all when it came to vulgar Malay politicians and leaders. But Akmal takes the top prize," Tajuddin (above) told Malaysiakini.

Referring to the Merlimau assemblyperson’s recent “better to die” outburst, the professor of architecture expressed regret that someone like Akmal was chosen to represent the people.

"Even worse, he is an exco member (in the Malacca state government). And to top it off, he was recently conferred a Datukship," he added.

Tajuddin questioned whether a representative of the “Malaysian people - not just Malay voters” - who also holds a title and a position of administrative trust, has the right to belittle or threaten others simply for making a suggestion.

He urged Umno to incorporate “diplomacy, decorum, and respect” into its training module for young leaders.

"All my years of studying Islam have never taught me to insult others simply because they are making a suggestion or have misunderstood something.

"Islam, as exemplified by the prophet, emphasises decorum, respect, and intelligence when addressing those with legitimate concerns. Unfortunately, some Malay politicians exhibit none of these traits," he lamented.

‘Akmal first, Malaysian last’

Tajuddin called on Akmal to apologise but expressed doubt that the Umno “warrior” would do so.

"He is Akmal first, and Malaysian last," he concluded.

Earlier, Malaysiakini reported that Akmal made the statement when criticising DAP MP Chow Yu Hui’s proposal to establish a federal minister for non-Islamic affairs.

“When elected representatives are ignorant of the functions of the government, the constitution, and the sensitivities that must be respected, this is the kind of utterly foolish representative we end up with.

“If such an idea is supported, and those who oppose it are accused of being opposition supporters, then my response to you is: it would be better for you to just die!” Akmal said in a social media post.

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