00:00The recent KK Mart ham sandwich controversy should not be tied to UMNO, as it appears to be the work of a lone individual within the party, say analysts.
00:12Shahza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia said UMNO Youth Chief Dr. Akmal Saleh tends to project himself as a vocal defender of Malay-Muslim sensitivities.
00:25She said that Akmal is just being Akmal by trying to show that UMNO is still somehow looking out for the Malay community and taking up the issue for political advantage despite the party's position in the unity government.
00:39Shahza, however, said the matter is really a non-issue and was unlikely to have an adverse effect on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim or UMNO.
00:49Meanwhile, Awang Azman Pawi of University Malaya said Akmal was seeking to position himself as a hero.
00:56He urged Anwar to be more assertive in managing such situations to reassure the people that he can manage the unity government.
01:04Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the incident reflects a pattern within UMNO, with its youth wing aiming to position itself as the protector of Islam.
01:14DAP, on the other hand, wants to be seen as countering extremism, he said.
Be the first to comment