Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh states he could align with DAP for personal gain but chooses to uphold his principles and pursue Malay-Muslim unity.
In a media interview, he rejected accusations of acting as a Perikatan Nasional agent. Instead, he positions himself as an advocate solely for Malay unity, which includes PAS.
As Jasin Umno division chief, Akmal expressed confidence in winning the Jasin parliamentary seat, currently held by PAS’s Zulkifli Ismail, through a Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan vote combine.
Sticking to principles over victory
“If I want to win in Jasin, I would gladly sit with DAP,” he told MalaysiaGazette. “Combining Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan votes, I could win big there. But this is not about me – it is something bigger.”
He stressed that Malay-Muslim unity outweighs personal ambition. “People may call it rhetoric, but I have stayed consistent from day one.”
Akmal has often clashed with DAP leaders, even as allies in federal and state governments. DAP Youth has urged him to leave the Melaka government.
Resignation from Melaka role
At the recent Umno Youth assembly, he announced his resignation as Melaka executive councillor, effective next week.
He consulted party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh. The Merlimau assemblyman will retain his Umno Youth chief role, as they affirmed a warrior never deserts friends.
Agent of Malay unity
Akmal dismissed Perikatan Nasional agent claims, calling himself an agent of Malay unity amid years of community division.
“When the Malays, the majority, split across too many parties, their political power weakens,” he explained. “Some then exploit that vulnerability.”
He once pushed Umno to exit the unity government and revive Muafakat Nasional with PAS. Zahid declined, committing Umno to stay until the next general election.
Akmal clarified that Malay-Muslim unity extends beyond Umno, PAS, and Bersatu. Malays in PKR who share the cause are welcome.
About The Author
