Veteran Umno leader Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has reportedly sought to downplay the outspoken stance of Umno Youth chief, Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, on issues of race and religion in the lead-up to the Mahkota by-election. According to a report by Sinar Harian, Razaleigh clarified that Dr. Akmal’s remarks are not antagonistic toward the ruling coalition or other ethnic communities but are an expression of dissatisfaction with certain issues.
Razaleigh, often referred to as Ku Li, explained that the views expressed by leaders like Dr. Akmal should not be interpreted as a sign of hostility or a desire to confront others. He emphasized that Dr. Akmal’s statements reflect frustration rather than any intent to promote divisiveness.
In my view, what is expressed by our leaders, whether it’s Akmal or anyone else, does not mean we harbour any anti feelings or intend to fight. Instead, it’s merely about voicing concerns that he is unhappy about certain matters, Razaleigh was quoted as saying.
These remarks came in response to comments by Johor DAP leader Dr. Boo Cheng Hau, who had urged Dr. Akmal to apologize for his criticisms directed at DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok and other Malaysians regarding the mandatory halal certification issue. Dr. Akmal had previously criticized Kok’s concerns over the potential mandatory nature of halal certification. However, Dr. Boo pointed out that Kok’s worries were justified, especially after the Cabinet clarified that no such decision had been made.
Razaleigh, however, defended Dr. Akmal’s right to express his opinion, stating that there was no reason for the Umno Youth chief to apologize. He described Dr. Akmal’s comments as sincere and honest reflections of his personal dissatisfaction.
Why should he apologize? I believe this is an honest opinion from our Youth chief, Razaleigh reportedly said. He’s expressing his feelings, and this is not about halal certification, but about his dissatisfaction.
Despite the contentious nature of Dr. Akmal’s remarks, Razaleigh also stressed that Umno, while traditionally a Malay nationalist party, remains committed to securing support from all ethnic groups. He affirmed that the party’s broader goals have not changed and that Umno continues to value the support of non Malay communities, particularly Chinese voters.
I believe Umno’s struggle hasn’t changed, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want the support of Chinese voters. We are all Malaysians, Razaleigh noted.
The upcoming Mahkota by-election, scheduled for September 28, will see a direct contest between Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah and Perikatan Nasional candidate Mohamad Haizan Jaafar. The by-election was necessitated by the death of BN’s incumbent representative, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, who passed away on August 2 while receiving treatment at the Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital.
As the election date nears, Razaleigh’s remarks signal Umno’s efforts to maintain unity within the coalition while navigating sensitive issues of race and religion. His defense of Dr. Akmal highlights a balance between addressing internal dissatisfaction and maintaining a broader appeal to voters across ethnic lines, a strategy that could prove crucial in the tightly contested by-election.
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