Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh has confirmed that he and other party leaders will attend the PAS Youth muktamar in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, on Sept 3, in a move that could pave the way for closer cooperation ahead of Umno Youth’s own assembly the following week.
Akmal, who is also the Merlimau assemblyman, said their attendance was in response to an invitation from PAS Youth, Berita Harian reported.
“I have given my commitment to attend,” he was quoted as saying after attending an investiture ceremony for state honours, decorations and medals held in conjunction with the birthday of Melaka governor Ali Rustam in Ayer Keroh today.
Umno and PAS Youth strengthen ties
The invitation to foster closer ties between the two youth wings comes amid signs of warmer relations between Umno and PAS, particularly on the issue of Muslim unity.
Umno and PAS, through Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional, recently joined forces in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
Akmal has also met PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden.
In June, he welcomed PAS’s decision to support BN candidates in Johor seats where PN was not contesting.
The attendance of Umno Youth leaders at the PAS Youth muktamar could provide another opportunity for the two wings to strengthen their ties.
Umno Youth assembly to focus on elections
Akmal said Umno Youth’s general assembly on Sept 10 would focus, among other matters, on preparations for the upcoming state and general elections.
He said one of the main agenda items would be gathering proposals from delegates for BN’s election manifesto.
“At that assembly, we will open the floor for delegates to propose the best ideas to be included in BN’s manifesto ahead of the general election,” he said.
“We will hear the views and suggestions from delegates, which will then be brought for discussion at the highest level of the party for a decision,” he added.
