Say what you want, I'll continue giving 'duit raya', says Umno Youth Chief

Source: The Star

PETALING JAYA: The attacks for giving out "duit Raya" to police personnel in Merlimau are unwarranted, says Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

He said this is because it was given publicly with the full knowledge and attendance of the Jasin OCPD Dep Supt Ahmad Jamil Radzi and other department heads who were present at the event.

"This does not frazzle me in any way. The only reason these attacks are against me is because it is me who gave the money.

"If it was someone else, the attacks would not have happened," said Dr Akmal, who is also the Jasin Umno chairman and Merlimau state assemblyman.

He was replying to former senior police officer and lawyer SN Nair, who said that Dr Akmal had put the policemen in a difficult position by handing out duit raya to them in Jasin, Melaka, recently.

Dr Muhammad Akmal further stated that as a lawmaker, he was well aware of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) requirements that any amount under RM100 should be given to civil personnel with the permission of their department heads.

"At the event, the OCPD was there. I had also handed out RM20 to another 100 staff of the Jasin Municipal Council.

"Why are they (those attacking me) feeling so hot under their collar?

"This is the month of Ramadan, the month of charity. It would be different if I had given it during a month of elections or I had given it under the table with the intention of getting something in return.

"Those attacking me should know that I will not stop giving out alms to appreciate those who keep my constituency - be they cleaners, police or the lower income groups.

"This small token is to appreciate the great work they are doing in keeping the constituency safe and clean.

"I do not care at all for such attacks from those who are out to get me. Next week, I intend to give 'duit raya'" to other staff of the district council.

"Let them say what they want. I have done nothing wrong. My 'duit raya' was to appreciate the policemen and policewomen who keep Jasin safe," said Dr Muhammad Akmal.

The Umno Youth Chief had been much in the news lately for leading the boycott campaign against the KK Supermart over the "Allah" socks issue.