Could Dr Akmal be Umno's catalyst for change or a cause for division?

SHAH ALAM - Umno Youth Chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh has become central to Malaysian politics.

His recent boycott campaign against KK Mart, in response to stockings printed with the word "ALLAH," has catapulted him into the limelight.

This move, however, has drawn criticism from various quarters, including leaders within the Unity Government.

The controversy centred around Dr Akmal's campaign, which critics, including DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke, alleged targets non-Malay traders, particularly the Chinese community, and is viewed as an attempt at bullying.

This has led to the lodging of two police reports against Dr Akmal under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, with Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirming his detention for investigation.

Dr Akmal's assertiveness recalls the leadership style of the late Datuk Seri Harun Idris, a previous Umno Youth Chief known for championing Malay rights in the 70s and 80s.

Harun's activism is often linked to the then Perikatan Party's challenges in Selangor, highlighting the delicate balance between advocating community interests and maintaining interethnic harmony.

Similar controversies, such as former Umno Vice President Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein's keris-wielding episode in 2005, have historically impacted the party's appeal among non-Malay voters.

With Umno's influence waning since the 14th General Election, Dr Akmal's bold stance ignites debate over whether this could revitalise the party's support base or further alienate it from the Unity Government.

For former Umno Supreme Council Member, Datuk Seri Hasan Malek praised Dr Akmal's efforts as timely and in line with Umno's tradition of addressing Islamic and Malay-centric issues.

He suggested that Dr Akmal's leadership could potentially draw Malay voters back to Umno.

"From a political standpoint, Dr Akmal's firmness could catalyse softening the hearts of Malay voters to return to Umno.

"In fact, these are the characteristics of a leader that Umno desires, and I do not dismiss the possibility that he could be the saviour of the party if given the appropriate space," he said yesterday.

However, calls for moderation are emerging within the party.

Echoing sentiments similar to those of former Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin, the former federal minister urged Dr Akmal to reconsider his stance on KK Mart, especially in light of legal actions taken against the establishment and directives from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to prevent racial discord.

"With the police and the courts having taken action against the KK Mart owner and even the Yang di-Pertuan Agong decreed that this issue should not be used to inflame racial tensions, I think it is time for Dr Akmal to stand down," he said.

In defence of Dr Akmal, former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo stressed the legitimacy of boycotts as a form of protest, drawing parallels with previous campaigns led by Umno leaders.

He argued that the KK Mart issue transcends ethnic lines, touching on deeper religious sensitivities.

"Dr Akmal's movement does not cross ethnic lines because the issue of stockings bearing the word ALLAH touches the feelings of Muslims.

"This issue needs to be seen in the context of religious sensitivities, not ethnicity," he said.

Yet, the effectiveness of such strategies in garnering Malay voter support remains questioned by figures like PKR Coordination Secretary Iswardy Morni, who viewed Dr Akmal's approach as a reliance on dated tactics of racial and religious politicking.

According to Iswardy, the Umno Youth Chief is still employing the old political tactics of the Malay party to ride on religious and racial issues and win the hearts of this segment.