'Enough is enough': DAP Youth tells Akmal to heed sultan's decree
Ili Aqilah
Published: Feb 8, 2025 9:02 PM
Updated: 12:02 AM
Summary
- DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong urges Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh to respect the decree of the Selangor sultan and abide by the cabinet’s decision on the proposed non-Muslim event guidelines.
- He warns that if Akmal continues acting against the federal government, he should resign and join PAS rather than be a “traitor” within the government.
DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong has urged Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh to respect the decree of the Selangor ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, regarding the controversial proposed guidelines for non-Muslim events with Muslim guests.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, Woo commended the sultan’s decree and emphasised that Akmal should also abide by the cabinet’s decision that the guidelines are not required.
“It is the responsibility of all politicians, especially those in government, to safeguard the harmony and well-being of all races and religions in this country.
“Enough is enough. It is as simple as that,” he said when contacted.
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh
Earlier, Akmal voiced his disagreement with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s stance that the proposed guidelines were unnecessary, arguing that they could serve as a useful reference.
However, just hours later, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed disapproval of the proposed guidelines, expressing confidence that today’s Muslims understand the boundaries of their faith, are not easily influenced, and can wisely distinguish between right and wrong.
‘Better to join PAS’
Woo further stated that, as a member of the federal government, Akmal should not try to compete with the opposition to be a conservative champion.
“Akmal should refrain from continuing the polemic as the decision on the matter had been decided by the cabinet, including ministers from Umno. As Umno Youth chief, he should accept the decision.
“If Akmal wants to act as if he is an agent of Perikatan Nasional, it would be better for him to resign and join PAS rather than continue being a traitor within the federal government,” he added.
Woo said his final advice to Akmal, in the interest of national harmony, is not to portray himself as a hero or oppose the government’s decision.
“Any politician who attempts to exploit this issue or prolong the polemic has only one intention - to undermine the federal government,” he added.
The proposed guidelines
This issue first emerged during a Dewan Rakyat session on Feb 5, when Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar revealed that the government was considering introducing new guidelines for non-Muslim event organisers who want to invite Muslims.
The proposed guidelines included requiring event organisers to obtain approval from religious authorities if Muslims were present and ensuring that events did not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities.
Commenting on this, Woo argued it was misleading to frame this issue as a matter of non-Muslims interfering in Islamic affairs.
“For example, if an organiser is initially informed that only two Muslims will attend an event, but on the day 10 show up, would the organiser be held accountable? Or would the additional eight Muslim attendees also be penalised?
“This is completely unreasonable and should not happen,” he added.
Earlier, Akmal voiced his disagreement with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s stance that the proposed guidelines were unnecessary, arguing that they could serve as a useful reference.
However, just hours later, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed disapproval of the proposed guidelines, expressing confidence that today’s Muslims understand the boundaries of their faith, are not easily influenced, and can wisely distinguish between right and wrong.
‘Better to join PAS’
Woo further stated that, as a member of the federal government, Akmal should not try to compete with the opposition to be a conservative champion.
“Akmal should refrain from continuing the polemic as the decision on the matter had been decided by the cabinet, including ministers from Umno. As Umno Youth chief, he should accept the decision.
“If Akmal wants to act as if he is an agent of Perikatan Nasional, it would be better for him to resign and join PAS rather than continue being a traitor within the federal government,” he added.
Woo said his final advice to Akmal, in the interest of national harmony, is not to portray himself as a hero or oppose the government’s decision.
“Any politician who attempts to exploit this issue or prolong the polemic has only one intention - to undermine the federal government,” he added.
The proposed guidelines
This issue first emerged during a Dewan Rakyat session on Feb 5, when Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar revealed that the government was considering introducing new guidelines for non-Muslim event organisers who want to invite Muslims.
The proposed guidelines included requiring event organisers to obtain approval from religious authorities if Muslims were present and ensuring that events did not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities.
Commenting on this, Woo argued it was misleading to frame this issue as a matter of non-Muslims interfering in Islamic affairs.
“For example, if an organiser is initially informed that only two Muslims will attend an event, but on the day 10 show up, would the organiser be held accountable? Or would the additional eight Muslim attendees also be penalised?
“This is completely unreasonable and should not happen,” he added.
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