KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming says he will not engage in arguments with Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
"From my position, my comment is simple: a lion doesn't argue with a fly," Nga, a DAP vice-chairman, said according to a China Press report.
"He holds a different position from me, so we won't argue," said Nga on being "attacked" by Akmal.
Previously, Akmal criticised Nga over the "ham" sandwich issue.
The issue arose when a "ham & cheese" sandwich sold at a KK Concept Store in Universiti Malaya sparked public outcry due to the display of the Malaysian halal logo on its packaging.
Nga had said there was no need for the incident to be turned into an issue as it referred to processed meat, and food producers also made turkey ham and chicken ham.
Akmal subsequently said Nga should look up the definition of "ham" under the Oxford Learner's Dictionary, which showed it referred to pork.
He also said non-pork ham must carry the meat of the animal used before the word "ham".
In the China Press report today, Nga said that while he would not engage Akmal, DAP would not remain silent.
"For every statement made by Akmal, the DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) will respond tenfold. It's not just the new head of the youth wing who responds, but even the publicity secretary, who is constantly issuing statements.
"So, we are not silent. We are simply responding proportionally to the situation," Nga said.
He added that when it came to criticisms from Umno Youth, DAPSY would respond to them.
However, if Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi made any statements, then DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke would step in, he said.
Nga said, however, that Zahid had not made any "wild statements" after the unity government was formed.
He said he appreciated Zahid's remarks on being moderate in politics.
"Of course, in a party with a million members, there are bound to be some foolish ones, which is normal. There will always be a mix of good and bad."
He added that DAP and Umno are now allies and will continue to work together for the sake of the people.
"But we draw the line when it comes to people like Akmal. If they act wrongly, we distance ourselves.
"If Akmal does something right, we will commend him. This is rational politics and professionalism."