Umno has not received any formal resignation letter from Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh, despite ongoing speculation about his intentions.
Secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki emphasised that the party leadership relies only on official notifications, not social media posts or unverified reports.
“There is none. As the party’s secretary-general, we do not base our actions on what is said on social media or circulating hearsay,” he said.
Reports of Intended Step-Down
Media reports suggest Akmal has expressed plans to resign as Umno Youth chief and Merlimau assemblyman.
Sources close to the party claim he informed a group of Umno Youth leaders through a WhatsApp message while in Shanghai, China.
Internal Differences Seen as Normal
Speaking personally, Asyraf described differences of opinion within Umno as part of normal organisational life.
He recalled his own time as Umno Youth chief, when not all his views were accepted by the Supreme Council, yet resignation was never considered.
Asyraf stressed that Umno has always followed the principle of consultation and consensus.
“Sometimes our views are accepted, sometimes they are not. What is most important in Umno is that we are guided by syura — we may agree to disagree, but in the end we reach a collective decision.”
Earlier Hints from Akmal
Akmal had previously suggested he might step aside to make way for others.
In a Facebook post, he said he had done his best to convey his message and that any shortcomings might be his own.
His remarks follow months of active involvement in party and national issues, including calls to reassess Umno’s position in the unity government and push for stronger Malay unity through ties with PAS.
