Dap S Political Decline A Friend In Umno Youth Head Honcho Akmal An Enemy To Itself

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GERAKAN’S deputy president Oh Tong Keong is not entirely wrong in criticising DAP for being a mere yes-man within the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led government.
Once a fierce advocate for non-Malay and non-Muslim rights, DAP has seemingly surrendered its principles for political survival.
Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh, an opportunist eager to score political points, has taken it upon himself to defend the DAP against Gerakan’s criticism.
Oh had in a Mandarin statement yesterday (Feb 3) criticised DAP over its silence by not opposing “Islamic policies” that are being advocated by the Madani government.

Akmal who is renowned for his racial posturing and political stunts now finds himself endorsing the very party that UMNO once vilified by schooling Oh that he should be supportive of DAP’s stance “because the Federal Constitution clearly provides for the special position of the Malays and the Islamic religion”.
On one hand, the Merlimau state assemblyman’s selective outrage – vehement on Malay-Muslim issues but silent on UMNO’s internal misdeeds – exposes his double-standards.
On the other hand, the very fact that DAP now finds solace by being shielded by Akmal is a damning indictment of the party’s decline. Nobody would have anticipated the dramatic and pathetic decline of the party in less than two years.
It has abandoned its original role as a defender of non-Malay rights by reducing itself to a subservient player in the government’s Malay-Islamic hegemonic agenda.
David MarshelGerakan is right: the DAP’s obsession with power, positions and perks has eroded its credibility.
The comparison to MCA 2.0 is an understatement – at least MCA and Gerakan despite their political setbacks are attempting to reclaim dignity for the non-Malays.
In contrast, DAP has diminished to a point where it requires Akmal’s backing – an irony that underscores its irrelevance.
If Akmal is the DAP’s newfound ally, the party has no need for enemies. 
David Marshel is the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) deputy chairman.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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