'My mother-in-law is Chinese': Umno's Akmal says he's not 'anti-Chinese', clashes with DAP over politics & not race

Umno youth chief and former Melaka state executive councillor (exco) Akmal Saleh said on Feb. 11 that he is not "anti-Chinese", reiterating that his "in-laws are Chinese".

In a YouTube podcast interview with former Malaysian Minister of Health Khairy Jamaludin, he said that his disagreements with Malaysian political party Democratic Action Party (DAP) are about policies and not race.

His remarks were later challenged by former DAP exco for Selangor, Teng Chang Khim, in a Facebook post on Feb. 12.

"We are against their policies, not against their race"

In the latest episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast, Akmal noted that it was initially "difficult" for Umno to "accept working with DAP".

However, he said that Umno "can cooperate on certain conditions", one of which is to "never touch on sensitive issues of the Malays".

Akmal added that he had a close professional relationship with his former deputy exco from DAP, and they did not speak about political issues.

He highlighted in the interview that when Umno is "against the DAP", it is "against their policies".

"We are not against their race," he added.

Akmal also shared that a Chinese Grab driver once recognised him and commented that Akmal had seemed "fine" riding with him.

The driver said that he had seen Akmal on TV "looking fierce", to which he responded: "You don't judge me based on the media."

"Because if I'm against DAP, it doesn't mean I'm against the Chinese community. Because let me tell you, my mother-in-law is Chinese. So, I have nothing. I have no problem with the Chinese."

He added that those who are calling him a "racist" are "from the other side".

Akmal's comments came amid a defamation suit with Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok over his comments on Halal food certifications in Malaysia, and after his involvement in the KK Mart "Allah" socks issue in 2024.

Teng responds

In response to Akmal's remarks, Teng fired back on social media on Feb. 12.

In his Facebook post, he wrote: "Stop telling us your Chinese mother-in-law story. When you question the loyalty of Chinese to the country, you prove that you hate Chinese, not DAP."

He defended his criticisms, saying it was a matter of patriotism instead.

Top photos via Keluar Sekejap/YouTube