KUALA LUMPUR: MCA will not prevent its members from signing a petition against Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, says Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
“If someone wishes to support the movement, they are free to do so. Likewise, if they choose not to, we will not encourage them,” the MCA secretary-general told reporters after attending TAR UMT’s Foundation Day Celebration on Monday (Feb 24).
Chong stressed that Dr Akmal’s statements and actions are his own and should not be linked to Barisan Nasional (BN).
“This is just like what we learn in physics — every action has an equal reaction. When you keep stirring up these issues, it may seem like many people support you,” he said.
“But at the same time, this incident has shown that many others are unhappy or dissatisfied with such behaviour.”
He said Malaysian society was maturing and cautioned against racialising issues.
“Dr Akmal, as Umno Youth chief, has made controversial remarks before. This is not the first time. The Umno Youth wing has had similar instances in the past,” Chong said.
He emphasised the need for a more measured political discourse.
“In today’s world, issues should be addressed more maturely.”
He acknowledged that some of the concerns raised by Muslims were valid and that discussing sensitive matters was not inherently wrong.
“The problem is the way these issues are raised. His approach risks creating social conflict, and that is the biggest concern,” he said.
Chong clarified that the matter is not about opposing Dr Akmal’s right to defend Malay or Muslim interests.
“No one denies his right, as a Muslim, to advocate for his community. We simply hope for a more constructive and peaceful approach.
“The focus should be on achieving meaningful results, not undermining the harmony we have built over the years,” he said.
He added that within Barisan, each party had a role in safeguarding its own community’s rights.
“We also expect our allies to respect our right to do the same. However, we must be more balanced — persuading with reason, not through loud rhetoric, threats, or racial and religious pressure,” Chong said.
Academician and political commentator Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi, along with former Sungai Benut MP Mohamed Tawfik Ismail, are leading efforts to counter Dr Akmal’s right-wing influence.
The petition, titled "Malaysians Against the Disrespectful Behaviour of Akmal Saleh, and a Memorandum for National Harmony", calls for Akmal to apologise for past actions deemed disrespectful.
Reiterating that the issue concerns Akmal’s actions rather than Barisan’s position, Chong noted that many coalition leaders, including MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, have already spoken out.
“When this issue (of disrespectful behaviour) first arose, several Barisan leaders spoke up. Some even said, ‘That’s enough now',” he said.
He emphasised that Dr Akmal’s actions were independent of the coalition.
“This has always been his stance. Even when Umno decided not to attend the rally in support of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib, Dr Akmal still went ahead.
“This clearly shows that his actions are his own and should not be linked to Barisan,” he added.
