Umno veterans defend Dr Akmal, accuse DAP of politicising upside-down flag issue

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Veterans Malaysia has stressed that the action of Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, in raising the issue of the Jalur Gemilang being flown upside down, has no political agenda, contrary to claims made by DAP.

Its secretary, Datuk Mustapha Yaakub, said the statement by DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke, who accused Dr Akmal of attempting to exploit the situation, was untrue, as the matter clearly involved an insult to the national flag.

"The Jalur Gemilang was deliberately hoisted upside down. The proof is that it was displayed, photographed and then circulated.

"If it was unintentional, why take pictures and spread them? This shows that both individuals involved were fully aware of their actions," he said in a statement on Thursday.

He added that Umno Veterans were puzzled as to why DAP seemed so determined to defend the individuals involved, raising the question of whether they had links to the party.

"The real question is, are the perpetrators DAP members or cadres? Or was this act orchestrated by DAP itself? In this matter, it is actually DAP who is politicising the issue of the upside-down Jalur Gemilang, not Dr Akmal," he said.

At the same time, Mustapha expressed regret that there are still parties who attempt to challenge the government by belittling issues related to the 3R (religion, royalty and race).

He said the government's lack of firmness in dealing with such cases has emboldened some parties to commit offences, apologise and then be released without further action.

"If the government is not strict on 3R issues, Umno Veterans fear that not only the Jalur Gemilang will be ridiculed, but religion and the monarchy will also be demeaned,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Akmal, together with Penang Umno Youth, held a gathering concerning the upside-down flag issue.

It was reported that the hardware shop owner involved had apologised, admitting his mistake, which had caused public unease nationwide.

This followed the circulation on social media of a 21-second video showing the 59-year-old shop owner hoisting the Jalur Gemilang upside down on a metal pole, while one of his workers recorded the act.

The incident triggered various reactions among netizens who demanded action, as such cases are seen to be increasing, especially with the nation preparing to celebrate its 68th Independence Day.

Investigations are being conducted under Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.