Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli praises Umno for adeptly handling internal differences, especially youth chief Akmal Saleh’s issues with the unity government.
He points to Umno’s middle-ground tactic: letting Akmal resign as Melaka executive councillor while keeping his party role.
Rafizi calls this pragmatic. It sustains unity government stability and addresses grassroots voices through Akmal.
Staying in government for gains
The Pandan MP argues that government participation helps Umno build support before the next general election. Blindly following Akmal’s lead would harm the party.
“It is not a full win-win,” he said on his Yang Berhenti Menteri podcast. “Both Umno and Akmal take a small hit, but it avoids a crisis that could collapse the party.”
Rafizi adds that Umno outperforms PKR in managing opinion clashes.
Akmal’s resignation and stance
On Thursday, Akmal announced his Melaka councillor exit to “fight DAP to the end.” He respects Umno’s choice to stay in the unity government.
After talks with party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Melaka Umno chief Ab Rauf Yusoh, he retains his Umno Youth chief position. They reminded him a warrior never deserts friends.
Akmal had pushed Umno to quit the unity government and revive Muafakat Nasional with PAS. Zahid insisted on supporting the federal administration until term’s end.
He later suggested it might be time to “step aside” after Zahid’s rejection.
Umno Youth secretary Hafiz Ariffin denied rumors of Akmal resigning from his party post.
