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PETALING JAYA – The pressure is mounting on DAP to distance itself from Umno Youth Chief Dr. Akmal Saleh, as calls for the party to sever ties with him intensify following the ongoing fallout from the controversial upside-down Jalur Gemilang incident. Several DAP Youth state chapters have now publicly urged the party leadership to take decisive action, arguing that maintaining ties with Akmal risks damaging DAP’s reputation and alienating its support base.

The controversy began when a video surfaced online showing a group of individuals, allegedly Umno members, displaying the Malaysian flag upside down during a recent political rally. Dr. Akmal Saleh initially defended the actions, claiming they were a symbolic protest. This response drew widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, with many viewing it as disrespectful to the national symbol and a provocation to national sentiment.

DAP Youth leaders have been quick to condemn Akmal’s initial stance and have expressed concerns that his continued association with Umno, and specifically his defense of the flag incident, reflects poorly on DAP’s values and principles. The calls for DAP to cut ties are not merely a reaction to the flag incident itself, but also stem from a broader concern about the potential for political alliances to compromise a party’s core identity and principles.

“DAP has always stood for national unity and respect for our national symbols,” stated a spokesperson for one of the DAP Youth chapters. “We cannot be seen to be tolerating or defending actions that undermine these values. Maintaining ties with Akmal, despite his controversial statements, sends the wrong message to our members and the public.”

The DAP leadership has yet to issue a formal response to the growing calls for action. However, the increasing pressure from within the party suggests that a decision on the matter may be imminent. Analysts suggest that DAP faces a difficult balancing act, needing to maintain a delicate political landscape while simultaneously addressing the concerns of its members and the public. Any decision to cut ties with Akmal could have significant ramifications for the future of political cooperation in Malaysia.

The Jalur Gemilang controversy has highlighted the complexities of coalition politics and the challenges of navigating differing ideologies and sensitivities. It also underscores the importance of leaders demonstrating unwavering respect for national symbols and upholding the values of unity and inclusivity. As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on DAP to see how it will respond to the mounting pressure and chart a course that aligns with its principles and strengthens its standing within the Malaysian political landscape.

The incident has sparked a broader debate about the boundaries of political expression and the responsibilities of leaders to uphold national values. It serves as a reminder that words and actions have consequences, and that respecting national symbols is paramount to maintaining social harmony and national pride.