He calls on party to bring former Umno leaders back into the fold
KUALA LUMPUR: After days of speculation over his position in Umno and the government, Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh has stepped down as an exco member of Melaka, but retained his role as youth chief.
In his speech at the start of the youth wing’s meeting, Dr Muhammad Akmal said he was stepping aside from his post as Melaka exco to “fight DAP to the end”.
His resignation as rural development, agriculture and food security committee chairman will take effect next week.
“I would like to apologise but with this (resignation), it is to show that I bring forward the voice of the party grassroots.
“I will resign from the exco post but I will not leave the Umno Youth,” he told the youth delegates.
Dr Muhammad Akmal shared that he had discussed his resignation with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof.
“They told me that fighters will not leave their friends. That’s why today, I want to tell you proudly (of this decision) because I have brought the people’s concerns that the party cannot sit with DAP.
“I have to agree with the party’s decision to remain with the unity government until the end but I have to listen to the party grassroots,” he said.
His announcement prompted delegates to urge the youth chief to withdraw his resignation.
Dr Muhammad Akmal had hinted at stepping down as youth chief after his calls for Umno to withdraw from the unity government drew a negative reaction from the party president.
The youth chief also urged the party leadership to consider opening the door to former Umno leaders who are still loyal to the party.
He said the concerns of the Malays could not be solved purely with slogans and political cosmetics but instead through courage and unity within the party.
“Before we want to talk about unity among the Malays, we need to stand united first.
“This is why I humbly request that we open our door to those who have been sacked or suspended but are still loyal to Umno,” he said, gesturing at Khairy Jamaluddin who sat in the front row at the meeting.
Khairy was among several party leaders who were either sacked or suspended in 2023.
Dr Muhammad Akmal said the interests of the party must override that of individuals.
“Some say, don’t bring KJ, don’t bring Shahril Hamdan because it will impede my status within Umno.
“I questioned them back, why? Why should my political interest be higher compared to the interest of our party,” he said.
