Campaign poster issue: 'Thanks Dr Akmal for helping spread the message' - PSM

TAPAH – Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) sees no issue with the contents of its campaign poster, which was accused of being provocative by Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

PSM deputy chairman S. Arutchelvan said the campaign poster for the Ayer Kuning state by-election merely presented facts highlighting contradictions in statements made by Umno-Barisan Nasional (BN) on the issue of unity.

"We are glad that Akmal's interference has brought widespread publicity to our message.

"Without him, this banner might not have reached a wider audience," he said in a statement on Monday.

Previously, it was reported that Dr Akmal had questioned PSM's action of featuring his image alongside PSM candidate Bawani KS, with Chinese text that translates to "vote BN = vote Dr Akmal."

He asserted that no party should fear him as long as they do not touch on issues of religion, race and royalty (3R), which are enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

Arutchelvan said Dr Akmal did not need to seek any explanation from PSM, but should instead consult his own political allies in the government, including MCA, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

He added that the people should reject any party that promotes racial agendas and manipulates the 3R issues to gain political support.

"PSM is confident that Tan Teik Cheng (MCA), Woo Kah Leong (DAP Youth), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Progressive Democratic Party – PDP) and Adam Adli Abdul Halim (PKR) share similar views regarding Dr Akmal.

"We also believe that in matters concerning 3R issues, more police reports have been lodged against Dr Akmal than any PSM leader," he said.