Don't scapegoat Akmal over flag row, enforce law on all - Mohamad

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has cautioned against making Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh the sole target of enforcement over the upside-down flag incident in Penang, stressing that the law must be applied fairly to all involved.

“In this world, every action will have a reaction. We don’t want this matter to spiral out of control.

“I hope everyone remains calm. The police already summoned Akmal to give a statement,” he reportedly said after launching the Rembau Umno Wanita, Youth and Puteri divisional meetings in Seremban today.

On Akmal’s rally in Kepala Batas, Mohamad maintained that the Merlimau assemblyperson had gone there with a “peaceful mission” and was not seeking to create chaos.

“However, he was provoked, and fortunately nothing untoward happened,” he said, according to Sinar Harian.

The Rembau MP stressed that enforcement must be consistent.

“The law on flag installation already exists. If someone puts up the flag incorrectly, the necessary action should be taken.

“We cannot only act against one party while letting others off. If Umno Youth has to take matters into their own hands, then what’s the point of having enforcement agencies?” he asked.

Advice for DAP

Mohamad also warned against mocking national symbols, saying it could spark anger among Malaysians.

“Some people are very sensitive about the national emblem. If the national banners are treated in such a way, surely there will be anger.

“Existing laws must be enforced so that people continue to respect the law and do not act as they please,” he said.

He further urged DAP to advise its youth wing to “return to rational thinking” and avoid rash actions that could complicate the work of the unity government.

Mohamad also reminded all sides that political stability was key to attracting investors.

“When the country is unstable, investors will not come. In fact, existing investors also leave.

“We don’t want this country, which we are now trying to manage, to fall back into uncertainty. Don’t let trivial matters become a sore that eventually destroys the nation,” he said.

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