Debate on PM poster burning on hold as Akmal's father on deathbed

Editor’s Note: The headline and article have been updated after Malaysiakini was informed that the debate between the Umno Youth chief and the student activist has not been cancelled.

Summary

• A scheduled debate between Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and student activist Fakrurrazzi Khairur Rijal has been put on hold due to Akmal’s father’s critical illness.

• Organisers express sympathy and say they will announce updates, as the debate was set to address recent student protests involving the burning of a poster of Anwar Ibrahim.

A debate scheduled for tomorrow between Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and a group of student activists has been put on hold after Akmal’s father became severely ill and is on his deathbed.

In a statement tonight, Sekretariat Rakyat Benci Rasuah said it respects the situation and will give space for Akmal to focus on his family.

“For now, we have yet to receive confirmation from Akmal whether the planned debate will continue or be postponed.

“The secretariat will officially announce any changes and developments regarding the debate from time to time,” it added.

It also expressed sympathy for Akmal and his family and urged members of the public to pray for them.

The debate was originally slated to be held at 9pm tomorrow at Rumah Mandiri in Petaling Jaya, where he is to face off against the student Fakrurrazzi Khairur Rijal in a debate on topic “Demonstrasi Bakar-Membakar: Bebal atau Berakal” (Fiery demonstrations: Ignorant or Enlightened).

Call for debate

Akmal had challenged the students to a debate following a protest in Sabah on June 22 that culminated in the burning of a poster of Anwar, with the words “Madani protector of corrupt Sabahans”.

He called the students stupid and rude, and urged those who were angered in the past when images of leaders were disrespected to also be angry now.

Fakrurrazzi accepted the challenge and further challenged PKR Youth chief Kamil Abdul Munim - who also criticised the image burning - to face the protesters for a debate.

Last night, however, Akmal posted on his social media accounts that his father is on his deathbed.

“I ask friends who know my father to pray, and I apologise on my father’s behalf if he has hurt anyone’s feelings when he was well.

“Please forgive my father’s mistakes, and pray for my father,” he wrote.

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