Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh has firmly rejected claims that he is anti-Chinese, insisting his criticisms target DAP’s policies rather than the Chinese community.
Rejecting anti-Chinese accusations
In a recent episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast, Akmal emphasised that his opposition to DAP was purely political.
“When we are against DAP, we are against its policies. It has nothing to do with the Chinese race,” he said.
To support his point, he highlighted his personal family ties. “My in-laws are Chinese,” he added.
Akmal noted he could cooperate with DAP politicians in government, provided sensitive matters were managed with care. He cited his positive working relationship with a DAP deputy exco member in Melaka, whom he had defended on several occasions.
Views on DAP’s character
When podcast host Khairy Jamaluddin asked if DAP retained a chauvinist streak, Akmal replied: “Of course. It has a chauvinist DNA. It exists.”
However, he acknowledged that some DAP leaders showed moderation and accommodation. He named DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and deputy secretary-general Steven Sim as examples.
On whether the party could change its fundamental nature, Akmal said it was possible, though it might require 10 to 20 years.
Defending his approach
Akmal explained his confrontational style as defensive rather than aggressive. “The issues I raise, I don’t attack. I defend. I don’t start the fight, I defend,” he said.
He referred to several past controversies to make his case, including the upside-down flag incident, the ‘Allah’ socks issue, Unified Examination Certificate recognition, and Kampung Baru redevelopment.
Akmal expressed weariness over the persistent focus on race in politics. “It’s not healthy, I’m tired, too. We never seem to stop talking about these issues.”
As a Malay leader, he said he did not initiate such debates. “If these issues keep coming up repeatedly, one after another, you should ask them to stop,” he added.
