Ramkarpal questions inaction against Akmal over flag row remarks
Malaysiakini Team
Published: Aug 13, 2025 10:05 PM
Updated: 4:31 PM
PARLIAMENT | Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh has urged the authorities to explain the inaction against Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh over his remarks on a flag blunder incident in Penang.
He described Akmal’s remarks as extreme, unacceptable, and potentially criminal.
Ramkarpal linked this to Akmal's initial threat to go to Penang with his Umno Youth members to purportedly teach a hardware shop businessperson how to put up the Malaysian flag.
Akmal has since retracted the statement, but said that he would still show up, following criticism by the DAP.
“Recently, we saw how the Umno Youth leader issued many statements that are extreme and excessive, containing elements of threats and incitement that are divisive and racially tinged, which could threaten public order.
“But until now, there has been no action by the authorities against Akmal. Why is that?” he asked.
What’s AGC’s stance?
The DAP lawmaker questioned whether Akmal enjoyed any immunity from investigation or prosecution.
He also stressed that issuing an “ultimatum” to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to charge someone within a set timeframe was inappropriate and placed undue pressure on the investigative process.
“What is the AGC’s stance on this? Will it issue a statement warning Akmal not to interfere in the investigation?
“If not, why is action not being taken when it is clear that action should be taken immediately?” he asked when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan in Dewan Rakyat today.
Published: Aug 13, 2025 10:05 PM
Updated: 4:31 PM
PARLIAMENT | Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh has urged the authorities to explain the inaction against Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh over his remarks on a flag blunder incident in Penang.
He described Akmal’s remarks as extreme, unacceptable, and potentially criminal.
Ramkarpal linked this to Akmal's initial threat to go to Penang with his Umno Youth members to purportedly teach a hardware shop businessperson how to put up the Malaysian flag.
Akmal has since retracted the statement, but said that he would still show up, following criticism by the DAP.
“Recently, we saw how the Umno Youth leader issued many statements that are extreme and excessive, containing elements of threats and incitement that are divisive and racially tinged, which could threaten public order.
“But until now, there has been no action by the authorities against Akmal. Why is that?” he asked.
What’s AGC’s stance?
The DAP lawmaker questioned whether Akmal enjoyed any immunity from investigation or prosecution.
He also stressed that issuing an “ultimatum” to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to charge someone within a set timeframe was inappropriate and placed undue pressure on the investigative process.
“What is the AGC’s stance on this? Will it issue a statement warning Akmal not to interfere in the investigation?
“If not, why is action not being taken when it is clear that action should be taken immediately?” he asked when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan in Dewan Rakyat today.
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh
Ramkarpal said he was informed of several police reports lodged against Akmal and was wondering whether the Umno Youth chief would be arrested, investigated, or charged.
“In my opinion, several possible offences may have been committed, including criminal intimidation under Section 503 of the Penal Code; intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace under Section 504; statements conducing to public mischief under Section 505; and possible offences under the Sedition Act,” he added.
He called on the relevant ministry to respond urgently on whether action would be taken soon.
DAP had in the past, called for the repeal of the Sedition Act 1948, pointing to prosecutions of party stalwarts including the late Karpal Singh and Lim Kit Siang as examples of how the legislation can be misused to silence political opposition and curtail civil liberties.
Ramkarpal said he was informed of several police reports lodged against Akmal and was wondering whether the Umno Youth chief would be arrested, investigated, or charged.
“In my opinion, several possible offences may have been committed, including criminal intimidation under Section 503 of the Penal Code; intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace under Section 504; statements conducing to public mischief under Section 505; and possible offences under the Sedition Act,” he added.
He called on the relevant ministry to respond urgently on whether action would be taken soon.
DAP had in the past, called for the repeal of the Sedition Act 1948, pointing to prosecutions of party stalwarts including the late Karpal Singh and Lim Kit Siang as examples of how the legislation can be misused to silence political opposition and curtail civil liberties.
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