PKR Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung has criticised UMNO Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh over his handling of the recent national flag controversy, saying his actions challenge the rule of law and undermine proper legal procedures.
Lee said, “It seems that even more gentleness cannot calm this incident,” stressing that no mature Malaysian would tolerate mocking or disrespecting the national flag. Police have already launched an investigation 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 1998.
However, Lee questioned why Akmal issued an ultimatum to the police and threatened to lead a group to “personally guide” the suspect on how to hang the flag if charges were not filed within two days. “Opening an investigation is the police’s authority, while deciding on prosecution is at the discretion of the Attorney-General’s Chambers. Now Akmal is placing the rule of law beneath personal will, how can public authority stand firm?”
Lee further likened Akmal’s approach to gangster-like intimidation, saying it was no different from telling someone, “Meet the boss for tea” or “Face the consequences if you don’t comply.”
On Monday, Akmal gave the AGC two days to decide on prosecuting a 59-year-old hardware store owner in Penang for hanging the flag upside down, threatening to visit the shop himself to “sincerely teach” the correct way to display it.
