Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) called on the Sabah Government to immediately impose a complete ban on Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh from entering Sabah.
LDP President Datuk Chin Su Phin said a series of recent political remarks and actions by Akmal may insult Sabah’s dignity and undermine national unity.
National media recently reported that Dr Akmal had aggressively pursued an upside-down Jalur Gemilang flag in a hardware store in Penang in which the owner had even apologised.
However, it was reported that Dr Akmal staged an Umno Youth protest in front of the shop claiming defending national patriotism which also resulted a counter protest from another NGO, Lawyers for Liberty.
In light of Akmal’s actions, which have gravely endangered both national cohesion and Sabah’s social harmony, Chin made the strong call to the Sabah Government, led by the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, to exercise its constitutional authority and immediately prohibit Akmal from entering the State.
He said this measure is not only a firm response to his personal conduct but also a clear warning to other potential imitators.
“Sabah will never be reduced to a political stage, nor will it allow external provocateurs to compromise its peace and dignity.
“Sabah is founded upon the principles of diversity, harmony and mutual respect which must be protected from divisive politics,” Chin said in a statement.
He said the State would never tolerate political extremism, federal indifference, or any form of manipulation of public sentiment that threatens its social fabric.
Chin also commended the Prime Minister’s resolute leadership in addressing the Zara Qairina Mahathir case and Akmal’s provocative actions surrounding the national flag.
“The Prime Minister has made it clear that government officials, police, and forensic agencies must act decisively and fearlessly in the face of disinformation and political incitement.
“Anyone who exploits national tragedies or patriotic sentiment for political gain must be held accountable under the law. This is the only way to restore public trust and safeguard justice,” he said.
