After a brief hiatus, the controversial bodoh (stupid) label seemed to have made a not-so-welcome comeback. But what is the “real story” behind all the seemingly senseless sound and fury?
In a recent no-holds-barred social media post, UMNO Youth chief Akmal Saleh has blasted DAP lawmaker Khoo Poay Tiong – calling it stupid – for suggesting that an Emergency be declared in order to postpone the impending state elections.
Clearly infuriated by the proposal from the Kota Melaka MP, the vocal Merlimau state assemblyman went on to warn him that during the Barisan Nasional era, no such drastic actions were ever implemented – not even during times of economic downturn.
He then alleged that Khoo’s call was an indication that DAP was incapable of governing the country and that it should be “thrown out” of the current administration.
Akmal: Incompetent DAP is fit to be dumped!
Unsurprisingly, Amanah then jumped to the defence of the outspoken DAP stalwart, with its youth wing exco member Fadhli Umar Aminolhuda rebuking his Unity Government counterpart for using a derogatory word.
Isn't it shameful that a Malay youth “role model” uses such disrespectful terms?
He also reminded Akmal that during the Perikatan Nasional era – when the previous premier Muhyiddin Yassin declared an emergency and suspended Parliament – his party was actually part of that same government. “So who is the stupid one?" he reportedly asked.
For context, Khoo’s call for an Emergency declaration was supposedly about the wellbeing of the people. He had cited the unstable economic situation and the spiralling cost of living that makes a state election an additional burden.
But what exactly made Akmal so incensed that he was prompted to utter the bodoh word?
Truth be told, the maverick Merlimau assemblyman has never hidden his dislike for DAP – and it would appear that he is eager for an early election to prove that the latter is surplus to requirements in the state government. It may also stem from the confidence that his party could win the state polls hands down – without any helping hand from the latter.
But to many, the big question is: why does he seem to reserve such insults for a certain community only – and specifically for DAP leaders? After all, previously, didn't he also direct the same term at Nga Kor Ming? And what about the nyonya tua (old auntie) slur at Teresa Kok?
Is it meant to send a signal to his party grassroots – and the Malay community – that he is the only one “brave” enough to stand up to the predominantly Chinese DAP?
Some may even claim that using such provocative terms against his opponents could actually help to burnish his anak jantan (a real man) credentials. No doubt, it would also help UMNO to claw back some support from the conservative Malay base. But at the other end of the spectrum, wouldn't it alienate the urban voters – especially non-Malays?
Nevertheless, in spite of all his aggressive “no fear, no surrender” rhetoric, he is probably aware that UMNO has a tough battle in its hands to reclaim its role as the primary champion of Malay-Muslim interests. As such, perhaps, what better way than to take a direct jab at a “common enemy” to project himself as the ultimate hero of the race and religion?
In fact, critics may allege that he is also using it to indirectly pressure his party's top brass to abandon its alliance with PH and strike a political pact with PAS. After all, didn't he make a public confession that he would actually prefer UMNO to collaborate with the Islamist party – to establish a united Malay-Muslim-dominant government?
So the hidden goal? To “force” party president Zahid Hamidi to sever all political links with PH – including at federal level?
This may be fueled by the belief that a grand UMNO- PAS tie-up could potentially capture enough Malay-Muslim votes to form a formidable political bloc. But the question remains: is it that simple given Malaysia’s complex political landscape – especially with its unique racial mix – where ultimately non-Malay votes can prove decisive?
Still, while purists may brand such tactics as “gutter politics”, wouldn't Akmal's popularity be a testament to its efficacy?
In that context, some may wonder: hasn't the use of uncouth labels and insults to attack political enemies become a potent strategy? On the other hand, those guilty of engaging in such practices should take note of the old, ominous Malay idiom: keris makan tuan (a weapon turning on its own master). Ultimately, would that be the case here when GE16 rolls around?
Main information source: Facebook Akmal Saleh and Sinar Harian.
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