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ANGKATAN Muda Keadilan (AMK) has condemned UMNO Youth Terengganu over the use of an incorrect version of the Malaysian flag in a recent campaign poster, accusing the group of disrespecting a key national symbol while demanding accountability from its national youth leader, Dr Akmal Saleh.
The poster in question, which carried the message “Desak Hukuman Pembuli” (Demand Punishment for Bullies), displayed a Jalur Gemilang featuring only 12 stripes instead of the official 14. The error has since gone viral online and sparked backlash from political and civic observers.
“It is shameful that a youth wing which often champions patriotic values fails to demonstrate the same respect for the national flag,” said AMK in a statement issued by its Communications Director, Nurhanani Dhamirah Razaleh, on Tuesday.
What further incensed AMK was the perceived silence of UMNO Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who had previously been vocally critical when the flag was hung upside down in Penang.
“It is disappointing that Dr Akmal, who was so outspoken over a flag incident in Penang recently, remains silent when a similar mistake is committed by his own party.
“This not only smacks of double standards but raises questions about the sincerity of his commitment to defending the honour of the national flag,” the statement read.
AMK called into question Dr Akmal’s consistency and principles, asking whether his past outrage was only reserved for the mistakes of political opponents.
“As a component youth wing in the unity government, we must stress that the current stability of our nation rests on tolerance and a shared commitment to building a better Malaysia.”
AMK urged UMNO Youth and its leadership to avoid hypocrisy in matters involving national symbols, insisting that all parties must be held to the same standard.
“Just as Dr Akmal demanded a public apology over the previous flag incident, we now call on Pemuda UMNO Terengganu to issue a public apology and for Dr Akmal to provide a clear explanation and position on this matter.”
“Jalur Gemilang is a symbol of national sovereignty. It is not a political tool,” Nurhanani added.
In a related post on social media, former Selangor executive councillor Datuk Teng Chang Khim also weighed in, posting: “Arrest and charge Akmal Saleh, UMNO Youth Chief, for insulting the Jalur Gemilang by reducing its 14 stripes to 12. This is treason. A betrayal.” - August 12, 2025