Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed that Dr Akmal Saleh’s potential resignation as Umno Youth chief never entered his thoughts.
He gave no consideration to accepting or rejecting any such letter.
Zahid spoke to reporters after the National Disaster Management Agency’s New Year’s assembly today.
Embracing Political Differences
Umno Youth, including Akmal, should welcome opinion clashes and criticism, Zahid urged.
Both Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and he served as Youth chiefs before.
The wing must stay idealistic yet open to diverse views.
Handling Disagreements Democratically
Why label critics undemocratic or out of touch? Zahid questioned.
Politics thrives on explanations, not uniformity.
Not everyone aligns; that’s normal.
Resilience from Past Struggles
Zahid called on Youth leaders to toughen up.
He once collided with mountains and slipped on banana peels as Youth chief.
This advice goes beyond Akmal: fight for ideals even if rejected.
Falling happens, but rising follows.
Akmal hinted yesterday on social media about stepping aside.
This came after Zahid rejected Umno Youth’s call to exit the government.
At Saturday’s special convention, Akmal cited repeated 3R breaches on race, religion, and royalty.
Zahid stood firm on staying with Madani coalition partners.
He dismissed past unfulfilled ideas like Muafakat Nasional with PAS, after Monday’s bureau meeting on the resolution.
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