I refer to the statement issued by Umno’s youth wing chief Akmal Saleh yesterday where he threatened again to “educate” the hardware shop owner in Penang and hold a protest over the flag issue if the shop owner is not charged by Wednesday.
This statement is an open public declaration of planned criminal acts by Akmal, including criminal intimidation, trespass and breach of peace.
It is getting ridiculous that he is getting away with this public misconduct. Why are the police and the “Madani” (civil and trustworthy) government staying silent over his antics? Do they condone it? Is there still law and order in this country?
The ordinary public are stunned that Akmal continues to harass and bully the shop owner, using his position as an elected assembly member and part of the ruling government to act with impunity. This politician, bereft of any good sense, is gathering a mob to intimidate and bully a member of the public. And no one in authority seems prepared to put a stop to it.
For all their talk about safeguarding racial unity, this government is turning a blind eye when one of their own stokes the fires of hatred. Akmal is not some random individual with no clout. He is a politician with the backing of Umno, which is a key component of the government. His reckless and irresponsible statements can create strife and conflict among Malaysians.
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We at Lawyers for Liberty are duty-bound to protect the public from oppression and intimidation and uphold their human rights. If the government will not step in, I will take the necessary action to defuse the situation and protect the shop owner from illegal bullying and intimidation.
I will be there at the shop in Penang on Thursday to meet Akmal and educate him that his actions are wrongful. I will advise him to comply with the nation’s laws, including by not carrying out acts of intimidation or criminal trespass.
I will advise him that he must not fan the flames of hatred within our society or harass ordinary members of the public through threats of vigilantism or mob tyranny.
I will do this entirely by peaceful means. If necessary, I will stand there alone against Akmal and his mob.
I call upon all right-thinking people who are tired of this type of harassment and bullying from politicians like Akmal to make this stand with me, peacefully and in the spirit of unity.
It is time to draw a line in the sand against bigotry, prejudice, bullying and race-baiting.
Let us do what this government will not, and stand firmly against the bullying of common folk by politicians with privilege and power. – LFL
Zaid Malek is the director of Lawyers For Liberty.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Akmal is misbehaving. Cant our King step in when such things happen in our country?
Legally, this s…… would have been in prison a long time ago. Come on Mr Prime Minister what’s your reaction? Scared of UMNO?
Our political party and our Madani government had given him a license to be a politician Gangster. That’s why our pdrm dare not take action on him. They can only record statement and release later.
… akmal only preys on the ethnic Chinese and Indians while it’s own kind … gets away scott free….
Thank you very much Zaid Malek. Much appreciated your noble thoughts, intent and action plan.
Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.
Fear has its limit.
How to speak to a bully with a finger polnting at you? Walk away.
ZM.. as many people — Malaysians of all races.
This type of public intimidation of a member of the public & also, a Malaysian tax payer by a politician from the Umno party is unwarranted and downright violation of that store owner’s civil right as a citizen of Malaysia & without legal representation.!
ZM, may you get as many like-minded people standing by you on that day!
Ariam
Agree here..Akmal acts as a bully..not reaching to rectify…as if he is voice of good conduct. Need to have good will..
Fully support you brother
Full support to educate the misbehaving Akmal
Right on Sir. Hooligans with low education should not be in Parliament in the first place.
Correct the mistake and move on. Be constructive in your actions. Placing a flag wrongly doesn’t mean it’s a crime but a correctable mistake. Looks like our time can be given to things that need more dire attention in our country.
Good work ZAID Malek. Luckily Malaysian have you instead of the useless Madani Government.
A respectful gentleman..