KINABATANGAN: Principle and duty to the grassroots were the main reasons Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh resigned as a Melaka state executive councillor, says the Umno Youth chief.
He added that leadership required accountability and the courage to make difficult decisions when the rakyat’s voice had been clearly expressed.
According to Dr Akmal, his decision was driven by the grassroots' voices and not self-interest, despite the post carrying a monthly salary of RM25,000.
He also stood by his decision to stay on as Umno Youth leader in line with the concerns and aspirations of ordinary party members.
ALSO READ: Akmal quits Melaka exco
"As a member of Umno Youth, this is not about personal interest. If it were, my exco salary was RM25,000 a month – why would I give that up?" he said when met on the campaign trail in Kampung Nusa Jaya, Bukit Garam, here on Thursday (Jan 22) night.
"But this is not about personal interest. This is about the voice of the people at the grassroots.
"When the voice of the people within Umno has spoken about what is needed, we must carry that voice and take responsibility for it.
"That is why I resigned. This is the principle we hold in Umno Youth," he said.
He added that the principles upheld by Umno Youth centred on responsibility and integrity, requiring leaders to prioritise public confidence over personal gain.
ALSO READ: Umno AGM: No 'yes men' in Umno Youth, vocal out of love for party, says Akmal
On Jan 16, Dr Akmal announced that he had resigned as Melaka rural development, agriculture and food security committee chairman.
He said the decision was driven by differences in principle, including his discomfort over being part of a state administration that included DAP.
The Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections will be held on Saturday (Jan 24).
They were called after the Dec 5 passing of incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
His son Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar is the Barisan Nasional candidate for Kinabatangan, while Mohd Ismail Ayob @ Miha is the coalition's direct candidate in Lamag.
