He urged the parties in the ruling coalition to respond with maturity to such issues, saying they cannot be allowed to hurt the nation’s political stability.

However, he said Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh is within his rights to state his stance on such matters, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“He believes in what he is doing. It does not matter whether everybody agrees,” he was quoted as saying. Nur Jazlan drew a comparison between Akmal and Nga Kor Ming of DAP, both of whom were outspoken.

“Nga also used to be vocal about matters, to the point that the Malays hated DAP. The only difference is that he is now a minister. So Nga and DAP should also keep quiet. They are the same (as Akmal),” he said.

Earlier today, a Melaka DAP Youth leader, Cassel Krishnan, criticised what he said was the cheap politicisation of the Jalur Gemilang issue, and said it has only sowed hatred in society.

He urged DAP to cut ties with Akmal because of his confusing and provocative statements, as did Selangor DAP, according to Malaysiakini.

Akmal was recently at the forefront of a gathering outside a hardware shop in Penang, the owner of which had accidentally hung the national flag upside-down. He was charged yesterday with posting a video on his Facebook account on Aug 11 that could cause public alarm. Akmal pleaded not guilty.