SHAH ALAM - The actions of a DAP MP, who was seen celebrating the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision rejecting former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s application for house arrest, have drawn criticism from several Umno leaders.
"Another reason to celebrate the end of this year," wrote Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin in her Facebook post on Monday.
Responding to the post, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh reminded Yeo that what her party leaders were actually celebrating was the party’s total rejection in Sabah.
"What more are we waiting for? Just withdraw support from this government. Let us become a dignified opposition rather than being humiliated by these groups.
"I urge all delegates who will be attending the Umno General Assembly (PAU) soon to stand united and bravely carry the voice of the people and the Malay grassroots from below.
"Let this PAU once again be shaken as a platform for the sacred voice of the Malays. Do not be afraid, do not be intimidated," he wrote on Facebook.
Akmal made the statement following the DAP leader’s Facebook post, believed to be referring to the decision by judge Alice Loke Yee Ching, who dismissed Najib’s judicial review application to compel the government and six others to implement the alleged Addendum Order.
The judge ruled so after being satisfied that the issue of house arrest was never discussed during the Pardons Board meeting held on Jan 29, last year.
As such, Loke decided that the alleged Addendum Order was invalid and could not be implemented for the purpose of serving a house arrest sentence in the country.
Meanwhile, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki advised individuals not to issue rude or hurtful statements towards others.
He described Yeo’s statement as extremely rude, excessive and completely lacking in humanity.
"If you are unable to express even a shred of sympathy, then do not make rude and hurtful remarks.
"Especially when the person being insulted is a former top leader who is deeply loved by the entire Umno family, which today is helping to form the unity government," he said.
Asyraf also opined that it may be time for Umno to reassess the existing cooperation if there were still parties that did not appreciate Umno’s contributions and struggles over the years.
Apart from Akmal and Asyraf, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Razlan Rafii also expressed displeasure over the DAP leader’s actions.
"This is an extremely rude statement. Wait for the time when the Malays unite to rise against your tyranny and provocation," he said.
Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir also reprimanded Yeo's conduct.
The Higher Education Minister said the DAP lawmaker’s actions were inappropriate for celebrating a court decision that involved another individual’s suffering.
"Why celebrate it? Do not celebrate the suffering of others. Life is a cycle. Remember, your leaders are not free from mistakes either," he said.
Umno Women’s Exco member Datuk Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid also disagreed with the actions of the DAP National Publicity Secretary while Subang Umno Division chief Datuk Armand Azha Abu Hanafiah described Yeo’s post as foolish and rude.
"The most rude and unintelligent statement, in simple language that is easy to understand. Yeo Bee Yin, you may celebrate the end of this year.
"We will celebrate after the next election. Our friends in Sabah have celebrated first and we will follow them later," Armand said.