Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has dismissed allegations that he harbours anti-Chinese sentiments, maintaining that his disagreements with DAP stem from political differences rather than race.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast, Akmal clarified that his criticism of DAP was directed at the party’s policies and positions.
“When we are against DAP, we are against its policies. It has nothing to do with the Chinese race,” he said, adding that his own family ties reflect this. “My in-laws are Chinese.”
Despite his firm stance, Akmal said he is able to cooperate with DAP representatives within government structures, provided that sensitive matters are approached with caution. He cited his working relationship with a Melaka deputy exco member from DAP, noting that he had defended the colleague on several occasions.
When asked by host Khairy Jamaluddin whether DAP still possessed a chauvinistic streak, Akmal replied that the element remained within the party.
“Of course. It has a chauvinist DNA. It exists,” he said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that certain leaders within DAP adopt a more moderate approach. He named secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and deputy secretary-general Steven Sim as examples of leaders he viewed as accommodating.
On whether the party could eventually shed what he described as its “DNA”, Akmal said change was possible but would likely require between 10 and 20 years. Political observers have often noted that party transformation, particularly on deeply rooted ideological positions, is typically gradual rather than immediate.
‘I Don’t Attack, I Defend’
Addressing criticism over his confrontational tone, Akmal argued that he reacts to issues rather than instigating them.
“The issues I raise, I don’t attack. I defend. I don’t start the fight, I defend,” he said, pointing to several controversies including the upside-down flag incident, the “Allah” socks issue, recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate and the proposed Kampung Baru redevelopment.
He voiced fatigue over what he described as the persistent racial framing of political debates.
“It’s not healthy, I’m tired, too. We never seem to stop talking about these issues,” he said.
However, Akmal maintained that as a Malay leader, he does not initiate such matters but responds when they resurface.
“If these issues keep coming up repeatedly, one after another, you should ask them to stop,” he added.
