Kuching: DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Stampin has voiced its full support for National DAPSY Chief YB Woo Kah Leong’s recent remarks, urging UMNO Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh to refrain from actions and statements that could divide society.
In a statement, DAPSY Stampin Chief Soo Tien Ren called on Dr Akmal to adopt “a more tolerant, rational, and lawful approach” in responding to the recent incident involving the national flag.
Soo stressed that such matters should be investigated and handled by the police under existing laws, without unnecessary public provocation.
“For any breach involving the national flag, the police and relevant enforcement agencies have clear investigative and enforcement procedures in place. The matter can and should be dealt with under the law.
“Public figures who deliberately incite the public to ‘show up and apply pressure’ do not contribute to solving the problem, but instead risk deepening societal divides and triggering potential conflict,” he said.
He cautioned against “overblowing and politicising” the incident, warning that excessive political theatrics could erode the space for rational discussion.
“As an Exco, Dr Akmal should prioritise uniting the people rather than mobilising the public for confrontational actions that plunge society into unnecessary tension,” he said.
Regarding the specific act of flying the national flag upside down, Soo acknowledged that it should be corrected but emphasised that patriotism is best cultivated through education and the promotion of proper flag etiquette, rather than intimidation or mob pressure.
“The words and actions of leaders shape the social climate. If leaders continually sow division, society will lose mutual trust and harmony.
“Dr Akmal should adopt a higher standard of leadership by showing tolerance, respecting the rule of law, and allowing enforcement agencies to act by the law – rather than assuming the role of a self-appointed ‘moral police’,” he said.
Soo concluded by calling on all political leaders to abandon tactics of provocation and instead pursue dialogue and constructive engagement to strengthen national unity.
“Malaysia needs steady, inclusive, people-first political leadership, not the deliberate manufacture of controversy for political mileage,” he said.
