Putra president Ibrahim Ali has urged Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh to apply his “courage” to a broader range of national issues, not just those concerning insults to Malays, Islam, and the nation.
In a statement, Ibrahim said there were more significant matters for Akmal to address, including corruption, justice, and the economy. He noted that Umno Youth has, unfortunately, remained silent on these issues.
Ibrahim argued that the wing’s role should not be limited to controversies such as the KK Mart “Allah” socks incident or gaffes involving the Malaysian flag, which he suggested could be handled by non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
“Umno Youth should also play a role in checks and balances. They should be brave in reprimanding the government and acting as a pressure group,” he stated. “They should not act like a pet cat that only chases mice outside the house.”
Akmal previously led a boycott campaign against KK Mart over the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah,” despite the company’s apology. More recently, he was at the forefront of a protest outside a Penang hardware shop where the owner had accidentally displayed the Malaysian flag upside down.
He is currently under investigation for sedition and criminal intimidation in connection with a video he posted regarding the flag controversy.
Ibrahim concluded that leaders who only show courage on “safe issues” will have a short-lived legacy. “But those who take on the big issues will be appreciated for years to come,” he added.
