UMNO supreme council member Datuk Bu Ai stated that Akmal is not a racist, as accused by MCA Vice President.
He questioned, "What evidence is there to prove that non-Malays dislike Akmal? On the contrary, Tan Teik Cheng (MCA Vice President) should ask why non-Malays dislike MCA?"
Bu Ai, who is also the Johor State Speaker, said in a Facebook post on Monday morning that Akmal was merely responding to certain individuals touching on sensitive issues related to Islam and Malays, and it was not him who initiated the controversy.
"His actions were due to others' negligence on sensitive matters, and his approach—whether it was boycotting or reporting to the police—did not violate the law. Therefore, Akmal is not a racist."
He believes that accusing Akmal of being "crazy" or "irrational" is the true racial discrimination. Such behavior is akin to "throwing stones and hiding the hand," attempting to favor those who genuinely stirred up controversy.
He also reminded MCA that they should not be seen as standing on the side of provoking religious or racial controversies. MCA itself knows that relying on racism cannot ensure that non-Malays will support MCA again.
"The real reasons lie elsewhere and should be sought out. There should be self-reflection rather than blaming others."