Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has ended days of speculation by confirming that he will announce his standing within the party and the government during the Umno annual general assembly (PAU) next week.
The announcement comes after a cryptic social media post earlier this week where Akmal suggested it might be “time to step aside” following a disagreement with the party’s top leadership over Umno’s future in the unity government.
Writing on Facebook today, Akmal emphasized his commitment to the voice of the people. “Do not be afraid to speak the truth. We are leaders not because of our positions or ranks, but because of the people below us,” he stated. He added that the Youth wing would bring the resolutions and concerns of branches and divisions to the main assembly, held from Jan 14 to 17, “for the sake of religion and race.”
Yesterday, Umno Secretary-General Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki stated that the party had not received any formal resignation from Akmal, who currently serves as a Melaka Executive Councillor. He personally advised Akmal not to lose heart over internal differences of opinion.
Akmal has been a controversial figure in recent months, frequently calling for Umno to exit the unity government and revive its Muafakat Nasional alliance with PAS—a stance rejected by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
