LFL urges Akmal to debate flag issue instead of bullying store owner

LFL urges Akmal to debate flag issue instead of bullying store owner


Published: Aug 10, 2025 1:30 PM
Updated: 3:30 PM


Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has condemned Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh’s plan to visit a store in Kepala Batas, Penang, to “teach” its owner how to properly display the Jalur Gemilang, calling the move an act of “bullying, vigilantism and a public call for mob action.”

In a statement today, LFL director Zaid Malek said Akmal’s planned visit, together with “his friends”, was unacceptable, dangerous and racially divisive. He questioned why leaders in the Madani government had not spoken out against such conduct.

“It is shocking that an elected assemblyperson and member of the Madani government is allowed to rile up the public and muster a mob to intimidate and harass an ordinary member of the public on the absurd excuse that he wants to ‘educate’ him.

“Where is the voice of the Madani leaders in this? Do they think this is acceptable conduct?” Zaid (above) questioned.

He noted that the store owner had already given a credible explanation and apologised for the flag’s improper display, but was deliberately ignored by Akmal.

Describing the remarks as a “serious threat to peace and tranquillity”, Zaid warned that Akmal’s planned action could amount to several criminal offences under the Penal Code, including criminal intimidation, intentional insult, making statements conducive to public mischief, and criminal trespass.

“The government must step in and take action. They cannot keep silent. The Madani government, having called for racial unity, cannot allow one of its own leaders to continue to create racial tension,” he said.


Debate, not harass

Zaid also invited Akmal to meet him instead to debate the flag issue, rather than “harassing, insulting and intimidating ordinary Malaysians”.

“We are prepared to educate them on why they are utterly wrong on this and what national unity and patriotism really mean,” he added.

According to an invitation sent out by the party wing media secretariat, the “Himpunan Maruah Tanah Airku” rally would be held at the store in Kepala Batas at noon tomorrow.

This comes after an earlier announcement by Akmal, who wants to visit and teach the owner on how to properly put up the Jalur Gemilang.

The latest flag blunder went viral on social media yesterday after a Facebook account under the name Nazirul Hafiz posted a 20-second video, in which a man is seen carrying the flag upside down on a pole, while another man records him.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh


It was then shared by Akmal, who lambasted the individuals, calling them “traitors” to the country and urged the government to take action against them.

According to media reports, the store owner explained that he was measuring the length of an iron pole while hanging the national flag and did not notice that the flag was upside down.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident under Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988.