By Datuk James Ligunjang J.P
For nearly a month now, Malaysia has been consumed with conversations and debates regarding five pairs of socks that are deemed offensive to the Muslim communities in the country. To escalate the matter, Akmal, the youth head of UMNO, has seized this opportunity to politicize the issue without considering the diverse racial and religious fabric of our nation.
While the police have taken action and apprehended the culprits for prosecution, Akmal’s extreme measures, including calling for a boycott and punishment of KK Mart stores, have elevated him to the role of police, prosecutor, and judge. This behavior reflects his disregard for the professional handling of the situation by law enforcement authorities.
By acting as a vigilante, Akmal is taking the law into his own hands, potentially damaging the country’s image and deterring investors from considering Malaysia as a viable investment destination. It is important to note that Malaysia already faces a debt of 1.5 trillion. Should Akmal’s actions continue unchecked, he could not only jeopardize inter-racial and inter-religious harmony in Malaysia but also cripple our economy.
The dangers of political opportunists like Akmal lie in their inability to consider the broader implications of their actions, which can have severe consequences for our nation’s unity, reputation, and economic stability. It is crucial that individuals in positions of power prioritize the greater good of the country over personal and political gains.
Editor: The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of Talantang.