DAP Youth Urges Tok Mat to Focus on Umno's Issues, Dismisses Akmal's 'Rash' Remarks
PETALING JAYA: DAP Youth has responded strongly to Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan’s call for DAP leadership to rein in its youth wing regarding its ongoing dispute with Dr. Akmal Saleh. DAP Youth Secretary General, Young Sivakumar, dismissed Mohamad Hasan's advice as a distraction, suggesting the Umno leader should instead address issues within his own party.
The exchange follows recent tensions between DAP Youth and Dr. Akmal Saleh, a PAS Youth Chief, stemming from Akmal's controversial statements regarding vernacular schools. DAP Youth has been vocal in its criticism of Akmal’s remarks, which they perceive as undermining the country’s education system and promoting racial disharmony.
“Tok Mat’s suggestion is misplaced and frankly, a diversionary tactic,” Young Sivakumar stated in a press conference earlier today. “Instead of attempting to manage DAP Youth, Mohamad Hasan should focus on resolving the internal conflicts and addressing the real issues plaguing Umno.”
He further argued that DAP Youth has a responsibility to defend principles and policies they believe in, and that attempts to silence or control their voices are not conducive to healthy political discourse. “We will not be intimidated or swayed by attempts to undermine our stance on issues crucial to the nation’s progress,” he asserted.
The DAP Youth Secretary General also pointed out the irony of Umno, a party often accused of playing racial politics, lecturing DAP on the importance of restraint. He suggested that Mohamad Hasan’s comments were an attempt to deflect attention from Umno's own shortcomings.
“Umno needs to look inwards and address their own internal problems before they start pointing fingers at others,” Young Sivakumar emphasized. “DAP Youth remains committed to constructive engagement and dialogue, but we will not compromise on our principles.”
The ongoing back-and-forth between DAP Youth and Akmal Saleh highlights the increasingly polarized political landscape in Malaysia. While both sides have called for calm and rational discussion, the rhetoric remains heated, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation. Analysts suggest that this latest exchange underscores the challenges in fostering inter-party cooperation and building a more inclusive and harmonious nation.
The statement from DAP Youth serves as a clear message: they will not be dictated to by Umno, and they will continue to advocate for their beliefs, even if it means facing criticism and opposition. The situation remains fluid, and it will be interesting to observe how both parties navigate this ongoing dispute in the coming weeks.