Ho Chi Yang, who is the assemblyman for Tanah Rata, Pahang, accused Akmal of riding on a baseless rumor spread by PAS about the recent Malaysia International Guan Gong Cultural Festival.
Ho said PAS had started the controversy by labelling the festival “unpatriotic” after Chinese nationals were seen waving their country’s flag at the event, and Akmal chose to amplify the PAS claim, even threatening to instruct Perak Umno Youth to lodge police reports.
In Teluk Intan today, more than 300 people bearing the Jalur Gemilang were reported to have gathered at the Leaning Tower courtyard in what appeared to be a direct response to the Guan Gong parade.
The participants waved the national flags and also sang the national anthem as well as other patriotic songs, the New Straits Times reported.
Ho’s statement this evening accused Akmal of deliberately creating confrontation although the festival organiser had issued a public apology, clarifying that there was no intent to display foreign flags.
“While it is uncommon for PAS to fan racial tensions, Akmal seized the opportunity to join the bandwagon in slandering the Chinese community,” Ho said.
Ho said Akmal, a state executive councillor in Melaka and a member of the unity coalition government, had not conducted himself with reason or professionalism, and acted with malice by stirring up baseless rumors created by PAS.
The controversy arose after a video was widely shared on social media, showing a group of people waving Chinese flags while cheering near the Leaning Tower in Teluk Intan.
The temple’s chairman, Soon Boon Hua, has since apologised. He said the Chinese flags were displayed by foreign delegates on their own volition and were not planned by the organisers.
Earlier today, Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said activities at any organisation or gathering would not be considered offensive as long as they adhere to the laws. He said it is not unusual for foreign citizens to wave their national flags when abroad, but it would be an offence for any Malaysian to fly a foreign flag at a local event.
Perak police chief Azizi Mat Aris said a police permit was granted for the Guan Gong temple’s event, but foreigners were not permitted to take part in the parade.
Azizi said 16 Chinese citizens who took part in the parade, including eight men aged between 40 and 61, had given their statements to the police.