Hello all: Dr Akmal (in red jacket) greeting members during the Umno Youth special convention in Kuala Lumpur. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth will propose that the party ditch the unity government and unite with PAS to become a “dignified opposition”, says its chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh.
However, despite the proposed move, the wing does not intend to see the current administration overthrown through “backdoor” or “roof hacking” manoeuvres, which were said to have been done in 2020 during the Sheraton Move.
The call was made at the Umno Youth special convention, attended by some 1,500 members.
“This proposal will be brought to the supreme council and Umno general assembly to be passed as a resolution,” he said when addressing the delegates.
The special convention was held to discuss Umno’s future direction just as the party prepares to hold its general assembly this Jan 14.
Dr Akmal said the “red line” with regard to the 3Rs (race, religion and royalty) had been repeatedly crossed, and Umno could no longer remain patient.
“This is not the voice of Akmal alone but the voice of the grassroots. Our dignity must be upheld; there is no point in having power without dignity. The president must listen to the voices of the grassroots,” he said.
Dr Akmal said Umno would be branded as cowardly if it remained silent without taking any action.
He also spoke about the importance of unity among the Malays, which he described as a necessity.
“The time has come for the Malays to unite. I call for this to begin with Umno and PAS, the two biggest Malay-based parties, coming together.
“Cooperation between the two parties will benefit the community, not the parties,” he said, noting that power among the Malays is currently fractured at the expense of the grassroots.
At a press conference later, Dr Akmal said that Umno leaving the government will not destabilise the administration, as it would still have the numbers to rule.
“We are only 25 seats. Even if we leave to be the opposition, the government can continue as is, and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will remain as the Prime Minister.
“I am against anyone bringing down the government, as the priority remains the stability of the country,” said Dr Akmal.
(Umno entered the unity government with 26 seats. One seat – Kinabatangan – is currently vacant following the death of its lawmaker Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on Dec 5. A by-election will be held for the seat, as well as for the Lamag state seat in Sabah, for which Bung Moktar was also the assemblyman. Polling is on Jan 24.)
Earlier, UITM lecturer and Ilham Centre fellow researcher Mujibu Abd Muis presented a study that showed that Umno’s share of Malay support has reportedly fallen below 25%, marking a significant and gradual erosion of its traditional base.
“As much as 55% of votes shifted during the last general elections, reflecting a deep crisis of confidence among Malay voters,” he said.
He said the study also revealed that 62% of Umno members have yet to accept the working relationship between Umno and DAP in the unity government.
Mujibu said that only 15% of Umno members were receptive with regard to the two parties’ cooperation in forming the government, with 23% undecided.
