KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has fired back at claims he is a "pawn" of senior party leaders, saying he answers to no one but Umno.
This follows remarks by Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who allegedly said Akmal is a pawn of Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"Recently, a PAS leader came to Melaka to deliver a talk, where we thought he would talk about what the party could offer if it governed Melaka.
"Instead, he claimed that I am Zahid's pawn and Khairy Jamaluddin is my boss.
"I want to make it clear that I am not no one's pawn. I do not belong to Zahid Hamidi, to the deputy president (Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan), nor to Khairy.
"I belong to Umno and I am a party man," he said in his speech at Umno's 80th anniversary celebration held at the World Trade Centre on Saturday (May 2).
Meanwhile, Akmal added that Umno cannot be rigid and must step out of its comfort zone if it wants to attract the younger generation.
He said the party must change its approach in engaging voters, particularly young people and move beyond outdated methods of political communication.
"Younger voters expect leaders who are more accessible, relatable and willing to engage with them directly, including in digital spaces.
"We cannot use approaches from 80 years ago. We cannot use old language to answer new challenges in the age of TikTok.
"Do not assume young people will come to us just because we are Umno. In the past, yes, but not anymore," he said.
