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LEGAL proceedings should not be directed solely at UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh over the recent upside-down flag incident in Penang, said UMNO Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He urged fair and impartial enforcement of the law against all parties involved.
“Every action in this world will elicit a reaction. We do not want this matter to spiral out of control. I hope all parties remain calm. Dr Akmal has been called by the police to give a statement,” Mohamad said after officiating the simultaneous Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri UMNO Rembau Division meetings at the Royal Chulan Hotel on Saturday.
Commenting on Dr Akmal’s presence at the procession in Kepala Batas last Thursday, Mohamad stressed that the UMNO Youth Chief did not intend to provoke unrest but was on a peaceful mission and was fortunate that no untoward incidents occurred.
“As a country that upholds the rule of law, everyone must respect existing regulations, and law enforcement must be applied without discrimination,” he added.
Mohamad highlighted that legislation on flag display is already in place and any improper display should be met with legal action.
“We cannot take action against one party while ignoring others. If UMNO Youth is forced to act on its own, then what is the purpose of our enforcement agencies?” he questioned.
He also expressed concern over those who manipulate national symbols, warning it could provoke public anger.
“People are very sensitive about our national emblem. If our flags are mistreated, it will certainly upset many. Existing laws must be enforced so that people respect the law and do not act recklessly,” he said.
Mohamad further urged DAP leaders to counsel their youth wing, DAPSY, to act rationally and avoid rash behaviour that could threaten national stability.
“I hope DAP advises DAPSY to think sensibly. Otherwise, there may be actions that could undermine our collective efforts to govern the country,” he remarked.
Acknowledging the need for dialogue, Mohamad called on all parties to come together to seek solutions for national harmony.
“Anything good for the country must be done. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural nation. We must act with great care. Even in a single-ethnic country, civil strife can happen—imagine here, where society is so diverse,” he said.
He warned that political stability is crucial for attracting investment and securing the country’s economic future.
“We learned from the 14th General Election that when the country is unstable, investors will not come. Even existing investors will leave. We do not want the country we are managing to fall into chaos again. Let us not allow minor issues to become sores that ultimately damage the nation,” he added. - August 16, 2025