SHAH ALAM, September 29 – Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, the Exco for Rural Development, Agriculture, and Food Security in Melaka, has firmly asserted that the power vested in him is not for personal gain but for the welfare of the people. He has further declared that he will not waver even an inch in defending the rights of the people concerning the issue of local rice supply. “Do you want a ‘battle’? Carry on,” he succinctly stated in a Facebook post on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Akmal responded to criticism from former MCA Vice President, Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, who allegedly threatened to revoke manufacturing licenses if rice was not sold at government-mandated prices. He advised Lian Ker to remain silent if he did not understand the issues faced by the people. Prior to this, a three-minute and 24-second video circulated, showing the UMNO Youth Chief conducting a surprise inspection at two rice mills in Melaka on Monday. In the video, Akmal also warned manufacturers to sell rice at government-set prices, and if they failed to do so, he stated that he would not hesitate to revoke their mill licenses.
