Umno Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh Lashes Out at Gerakan Leader Over DAP Criticism

Akmal Saleh Slams Oh Tong Keong for Criticizing DAP’s Silence on Islamic and Malay Agendas

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has lambasted Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong for reportedly criticizing DAP over its “silence” on the government’s Islamic and Malay agendas.

Akmal Saleh’s Rebuke

Akmal Saleh, the Merlimau assemblyman, asked Oh Tong Keong what he meant by criticizing DAP for being silent and not opposing Islamic policies. “Do you intend to oppose the country’s Islamic policies?” he asked.

Gerakan Deputy President’s Response

According to Oriental Daily, Oh Tong Keong accused DAP of compromising on its integrity for the sake of power in the federal government. He reportedly said that DAP would have opposed the government’s Islamic and Malay agendas if it was still in the opposition, and that it does not practise what it preaches.

Deputy Prime Minister’s Statement

Oh Tong Keong’s criticism was in response to deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s dismissal of claims that DAP was against the government’s Islamic and Malay-centric policies. Zahid, the Umno president, had said he had never seen any DAP minister oppose any Islamic or Malay agendas in Cabinet meetings.

Akmal Saleh’s Defense of DAP

Akmal Saleh defended DAP, saying that Oh Tong Keong should be supportive of the party for not opposing the government’s Islamic and Malay agendas. “What do you really mean when you criticise DAP for being silent and not opposing Islamic policies?” he asked.

Akmal Saleh’s Argument

Akmal Saleh argued that DAP’s silence on Islamic and Malay agendas is not a bad thing, as the party is not opposing the government’s policies. “Do you intend to oppose the country’s Islamic policies?” he asked.

Conclusion

The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over the role of Islam and Malay culture in Malaysian politics. While some parties, like Umno, see Islamic and Malay agendas as essential to the country’s identity, others, like DAP, argue that they should be balanced with other aspects of Malaysian society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong criticize DAP over its silence on Islamic and Malay agendas?
A: Oh Tong Keong accused DAP of compromising on its integrity for the sake of power in the federal government.

Q: What did Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh say in response to Oh Tong Keong’s criticism?
A: Akmal Saleh defended DAP, saying that Oh Tong Keong should be supportive of the party for not opposing the government’s Islamic and Malay agendas.

Q: What is the controversy about?
A: The controversy is about the role of Islam and Malay culture in Malaysian politics, with some parties seeing them as essential to the country’s identity and others arguing that they should be balanced with other aspects of Malaysian society.