DAP strongly condemned the actions of UMNO Youth Chief, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh, who led a march and demonstration in front of a hardware shop in Kepala Batas, Penang, yesterday.
Its secretary-general, Anthony Lok expressed regret over Akmal's actions despite warnings from the Inspector-General of Police and the Penang Police Chief not to hold the rally.
“The action was a form of bullying and intimidation against the trader though the investigation is still ongoing.
“The trader involved has even apologised for his mistake in installing the flag,” he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, UMNO Youth members led by Akmal held a rally by flying the Jalur Gemilang in front of the hardware shop concerned.
More than 500 marched together to fly the Jalur Gemilang for 1.4 kilometres as a symbol of unity in defending the dignity of the national flag.
Meanwhile, Loke said that Akmal's action of ignoring the police warning was an act of challenging the Rule of Law.
"In fact, Akmal's actions disrupted public order, causing annoyance to traders in the area, forcing them to close their businesses early.
"Actions like this go beyond the limits of the law and the norms of the multi-racial society in Malaysia.
“Appropriate punishment must be meted out for such extreme acts,” he said.
He instructed DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) nationwide to file police reports regarding yesterday’s incident.
“The report is to made under Section 503 of the Penal Code, which is criminal intimidation, Section 504 of the Penal Code (deliberately issuing a defamatory statements with the intention of causing disorder), and Section 505 of the Penal Code (issuing a statement that causes public mischief).
“Police reports will also be made under new sections to deal with bullying.
“Among them are Section 507B of the Penal Code (causing the victim to suffer harassment, distress, fear or anxiety) and 507C of the Penal Code (issuing words likely to cause the victim to be disturbed, distressed, afraid or anxious),” he said.
He also stressed that the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of national sovereignty must be flown correctly and with respect.
“However, acts of threatening and bullying, as well as causing tension, are not the way to resolve this issue,” he added. - August 15, 2025
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