By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Sept 12: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak has lodged a police report against Umno youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh over a social media statement directed at Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii on Sept 9, 2024, which is alleged to incite religious and racial sentiments.
Soo Tien Ren, special assistant to DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, asserted that Dr Akmal’s comments could foster disharmony and exacerbate racial tensions among Malaysians, including in Sarawak.
“We filed the police report to demand action and investigation,” he told reporters after submitting the report at Sekama Police Station, accompanied by fellow DAP Sarawak member George Lam, today.
The controversy arose after Dr Akmal criticised Seputeh MP and DAP vice chairman Teresa Kok for her comments on the proposal to mandate Halal certification for restaurants that do not serve pork or alcohol.
In a series of social media posts, one of which included a video, Dr Akmal called for a non-Halal sticker to be placed on Kok’s forehead, referring to her as ‘old Nyonya’.
Previously, Kok had expressed that mandatory Halal certification could burden traders, especially small businesses, restrict consumer freedom, and potentially clash with Malaysia’s cultural diversity.
It was reported that Kok has since issued a letter of demand to Dr Akmal, seeking RM25 million in damages for allegedly misrepresenting her remarks.
Soo also urged Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders and members to address this issue at the federal level, emphasising that despite political differences, both parties could collaborate on this matter.
“DAP’s stance is clear. From our secretary-general to our grassroots members, we advocate for a liberal Malaysia, and we oppose extremism. I believe GPS shares similar views on this issue and urge them to raise it to mitigate its negative impact on Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily
