Akmal had earlier said stern action should be taken against a school in Port Dickson if it was proven that a disabled employee had been allowed to raise the Jalur Gemilang upside down on Friday.
In response to an article in which a DAP Youth leader accused Akmal of practising double standards by remaining silent when similar mistakes were made by those aligned with Umno, Akmal had remarked: “Please give these people a mirror and an OKU card too.”
In a Facebook post, federal territories DAP Youth chief Yap Yee Vonne said the Merlimau assemblyman’s comments were deeply offensive to the OKU community and implied that they were less capable than others.
She added that Akmal’s remarks were also troubling because as a medical doctor, he should understand that disabilities are medical conditions, not a choice.
Yap said both the public and private sectors are increasingly working together to promote inclusivity for Malaysia’s OKU community, and as a member of the Melaka government, Akmal should be aligning himself with such initiatives.
“If Akmal has nothing respectful or constructive to say, then don’t say anything at all.
“As a leader, your words carry weight. Why choose to define and degrade an entire community this way?
“These remarks are not only unbecoming of a doctor but are unacceptable from someone entrusted with public responsibility.
“His perception is worrying. How can Malaysians trust leaders like him to craft and implement policies that are inclusive, fair and just for all Malaysians, both the able and disabled?” said Yap.
The aforementioned school, SJKC Chung Hua, has since apologised for the incident, attributing the upside-down flag to staff oversight.
Police are investigating the case under Section 504 of the Penal Code (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace), Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (improper use of network facilities or services).