KUALA LUMPUR: Umno youth leader Dr Akmal Saleh has defended giving out 'duit raya' to police personnel, following criticism sparked by a Tik Tok video he uploaded of himself doing so in Jasin, Melaka.

Akmal, who spoke to FMT, said that this was a personal tradition for him during Ramadan, aimed at expressing gratitude to the police force and civil service for their dedicated service.

He said that he plans to extend similar donations to local council officials and the Jasin land office in the coming week, adding that the funds originate from his clinic's profits and not from government resources.

Highlighting that this practice predates his political involvement, the Merlimau assemblyman said his contributions were transparent.

"It's not wrong… It would be wrong if it is done under the table (hidden)," he said.

"In my case, I openly distributed the raya packets (envelopes) containing RM20 to 420 police personnel in Jasin. It would be a different story if only the station chief received it."

Akmal denied allegations that his actions were politically motivated, saying that he did not solicit support for Umno from the recipients.

Acknowledging diverse political affiliations among the police force, he maintained the sincerity of his intentions.

On concerns raised by the Inspector-General of Police, Razarudin Husain, regarding monetary gifts to on-duty personnel, Akmal clarified that his distributions were made during off-duty periods, complying with established guidelines.

The Umno youth leader has recently come under fire for advocating a boycott of KK Super Mart, the convenience chain embroiled in the 'Allah' socks controversy.

Despite the store's apology and legal proceedings against its founders, Akmal continues to advocate for a nationwide boycott, drawing mixed reactions from various quarters.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1032047/akmal-giving-duit-raya-cops-tradition-me-nothing-wrong-it