Tengku Razaleigh, also known as Ku Li, said Akmal’s actions were in line with Umno’s struggle, as stated in the party’s constitution, Sinar Harian reported.

The former Gua Musang MP also said Akmal should not be viewed as opposed to any particular ethnic group simply because of his outspoken nature on Malay-Muslim issues.

“Why should he apologise? I believe this is a sincere opinion from our Umno Youth chief,” he was quoted as saying.

Tengku Razaleigh said Umno’s struggle as a Malay nationalist party was unchanged, though this did not mean it took the support of other races lightly.

His comments come after Johor DAP leader Dr Boo Cheng Hau urged Akmal to issue an apology to Kok and amicably settle their legal battle involving the mandatory halal certification proposal.

Boo said Akmal, who is a Melaka executive councillor, should also apologise to all Malaysians for “failing to respect the constitutional rights of believers of other religions”.

Earlier this month, Kok had questioned the proposal to make halal certification mandatory for food establishments that do not serve pork and alcohol.

In response, Akmal posted a video on TikTok in which he called Kok an “old nyonya lady” and said she should not interfere in Islamic matters, particularly regarding the halal certification proposal.

Kok then sent a letter of demand to Akmal stating that she would sue him for RM25 million if he failed to apologise and retract his allegedly defamatory statements and remove them from his social media account.

Akmal later said he was ready to battle it out in court.