UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has hinted that he may step down from his position following firm assurances from party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that UMNO will remain part of the Unity Government until the end of the current parliamentary term.
The remarks were made on 7 January 2026, shortly after Zahid reiterated that UMNO would not withdraw its support from the government ahead of the 16th General Election. Zahid also stressed that any political realignment, including the revival of cooperation under the Muafakat Nasional framework, remained undecided and would be approached with caution to avoid repeating past missteps.
Against this backdrop, Akmal suggested that he had already fulfilled his responsibility in articulating the concerns and aspirations of the party’s youth wing. He implied that any perceived shortcomings in the ongoing internal debate should be attributed to himself, adding that the time may have come for him to make way. Akmal also expressed gratitude to those who had supported his political stance, maintaining that efforts grounded in the interests of religion, the nation and the country would ultimately find their moment.
The developments follow resolutions tabled by Akmal at the UMNO Youth Special Convention on 3 January 2026. At the gathering, two key proposals were raised: a call for UMNO to explore renewed cooperation with PAS, and a motion urging the party to leave the Unity Government and reposition itself as an opposition force. The proposals sparked intense debate within UMNO, drawing mixed reactions from senior leaders and party insiders.
Zahid, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, clarified on 6 January 2026 that no final decision had been reached regarding the resolutions. He underscored that UMNO’s leadership had consistently maintained its position against destabilising the current administration, emphasising the importance of political stability until the next general election. Zahid also noted that any future collaboration with other parties would be scrutinised carefully, signalling reluctance to revisit alliances that previously failed to deliver lasting political benefits.
The contrasting positions have highlighted growing tensions between UMNO’s youth leadership and the party’s top echelon. While Akmal has emerged as a vocal advocate for a recalibration of UMNO’s political direction, the party leadership has prioritised continuity within the Unity Government as a means of safeguarding stability and governance.
Akmal’s latest remarks have intensified speculation over his future role within the party, raising questions about whether his possible departure could reshape UMNO Youth’s posture ahead of critical internal meetings and the upcoming general election.
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