DAP heeds police call to stand down, urges action against defiant Akmal

DAP heeds police call to stand down, urges action against defiant Akmal


Published: Aug 14, 2025 8:39 PM
Updated: 10:41 PM


Penang DAP decided to stand down in respect of the police’s directive, but is urging authorities to act against Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh for pressing ahead with the Jalur Gemilang protest.

State DAP chairperson Steven Sim said members and supporters were not mobilised, in line with Penang police chief Azizee Ismail’s call for all parties to be patient and avoid actions that could cause tension.

“Only local representatives were present to distribute the Jalur Gemilang in conjunction with the National Day celebration month as an effort to foster patriotism and strengthen national unity,” he added in a statement this evening.

Sim urged the police to take firm action against Akmal, describing his conduct as a blatant defiance of police orders, a breach of the law, and a deliberate provocation that threatens public order.

“Penang DAP urges the police to take firm action against Akmal to send a signal that such provocative acts will not be tolerated in this country, especially during a month which is supposed to promote unity instead of division.

“Penang DAP will lodge a police report regarding today’s incident,” he added.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh (centre) during the protest in Kepala Batas, Penang


300 protesters

Earlier this evening, Akmal led a group of Umno Youth members to gather in front of a hardware store at the centre of an inverted national flag controversy.

Bersatu Youth members also joined the rally against the businessperson who went viral for holding a Jalur Gemilang upside down.

There were about 300 protesters who showed up in support.

Members of Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), including its director Zaid Malek, were also present to defend the store.

READ MORE: Flag rally participants disperse after minor argument


Previously, Zaid said it was ridiculous that the government and police were not stopping the Umno Youth chief’s harassment, after Akmal threatened to protest if no charges were brought against the store’s owner by Wednesday.

“If the government will not step in, I will take the necessary action to defuse the situation and protect the store owner from illegal bullying and intimidation,” the LFL director said.