Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has once again denied accusations that he is acting as an agent for Perikatan Nasional (PN), stressing that his outspoken stance reflects the will of Umno’s grassroots members.
Speaking in Jerteh, Terengganu, during the Umno Youth assembly last night, Akmal said: “If I were truly a PN agent, I would have just joined PN. What I carry today is the voice and aspirations of the grassroots. The truth may be bitter, but we must accept it. In any struggle, not everything is sweet.”
This is not the first time Akmal has faced such accusations. In August last year, he rejected similar claims and said he would continue to speak out even against Umno’s allies in the unity government if issues related to Malay rights, Islam, and the monarchy were challenged.
On Aug 15, DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong criticised Akmal for targeting small traders and unity government allies instead of confronting PN directly. His comments followed Akmal’s rally outside a hardware store in Kepala Batas, Penang, where the owner was accused of hoisting the Jalur Gemilang upside down. Despite police warnings, Akmal pressed ahead with the rally, joking that he only wanted to check whether a DAP-sponsored flag had been hung correctly.
The Merlimau assemblyman stressed that he should be seen as an “agent of Umno,” working to ensure the party remains relevant and regains public trust.
He also said that personal attacks and negative labels on social media only weaken Umno, when the party should instead be united to face current challenges.
“Umno Youth will continue to defend religion, the Malays, and the nation, true to the spirit of struggle that has guided us since 1949,” Akmal said.
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