Akmal ready to face Sedition Act probe, says no compromise on flag issue

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh has declared he is prepared to face an investigation under the Sedition Act following the recent Jalur Gemilang protest rally, stressing that he will not compromise on defending the national flag.

Speaking after being questioned over two police reports lodged in connection with the rally early today, Akmal said he stood by his actions and would give his full cooperation to the authorities.

“If this is the price I have to pay to defend the nation’s honour, I will not back down and I will fully cooperate.

I hope the people realise that those who commit wrongdoings are hailed as heroes, but when we try to correct the situation, we are treated as offenders,” he told reporters.

Bernama reported that Akmal completed giving his statement at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters at 1.25am today.

The Merlimau assemblyperson stressed that the gathering was held peacefully and aimed to send a clear message that Malaysians will not tolerate disrespect toward the national symbol.

“We came not to create chaos but to deliver a message that thousands of Malaysians are unhappy when the national emblem is mocked.

“We dispersed peacefully. This proves we are not bullies, nor did we come to cause trouble,” he stressed.

On Thursday, over 100 protesters, including members of Umno and Bersatu youth wings, gathered in Kepala Batas, Penang, to "educate" a hardware store owner caught on video hanging a Jalur Gemilang upside down.

At the same time, rights group Lawyers for Liberty also rallied a group to protect the hardware store owner Pang Chin Tian from harassment.

‘I did the right thing’

Akmal, however, pointed out that the rally did not involve provocation or acts of vandalism.

“The people saw for themselves that we came peacefully - we didn’t overturn cars, we didn’t trample on flags or pictures of DAP leaders.

“I don’t need to be afraid because I know I did the right thing to uphold the sovereignty of this nation.

“This is not just my aspiration, but the aspiration of all Malaysians regardless of race or political views,” he said.

Commenting on a placard likening the rally to Zionism, Akmal said he chose to assume it was a misunderstanding.

“If you want to be angry, be angry. If you want to lodge a police report, go ahead. But I think maybe the person did not understand what Zionism means,” he said.

Akmal also denied claims that the gathering was politically motivated.

“If DAP wants to politicise it, go ahead. Accuse us of politicising, to me, by all means, bring it on,” he declared.

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