Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has indicated that he will accept any decision made by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh regarding the political positions he currently holds, signalling deference to party and state leadership amid growing speculation over his future.
Speaking in Petaling Jaya on January 11, 2026, Akmal said both Zahid and Rauf possessed the authority to determine his role, as they were instrumental in his rise within the party and state administration. He noted that Zahid had endorsed him as Umno’s candidate for the Merlimau seat in the Melaka state election, while Rauf had appointed him as a state executive councillor overseeing rural development, agriculture and food security.
Akmal explained that any decision regarding his continuation or departure from these roles must first take into account the views and consent of both leaders. As chief minister, Rauf held the prerogative to decide on the composition of the state executive council, while Zahid, as party president, retained authority over Umno’s elected representatives. Until both leaders had expressed their position, Akmal said he would refrain from making any public announcement.
Later the same day, Akmal met Rauf at the Melaka chief minister’s office, where he shared his personal reflections and intentions. He acknowledged Rauf’s influence on his political journey, recalling that the chief minister had first introduced him to Umno during his years as a student leader and had played a significant role in shaping his understanding of leadership and party discipline. Akmal described it as an honour to be able to serve alongside Rauf in the state administration.
Speculation over Akmal’s future intensified after he suggested earlier that it might be time for him to step aside from his posts. The remark followed Zahid’s decision to reject Akmal’s call for Umno to withdraw from the unity government and revive cooperation with PAS under the Muafakat Nasional framework. The rejection was widely seen as a setback to Akmal’s position within the party, prompting talk of a possible resignation.
However, Umno Youth secretary Hafiz Ariffin subsequently moved to calm the situation by denying claims that Akmal had decided to resign, insisting that no formal decision had been made.
For now, Akmal’s stance reflects a wait-and-see approach, placing his political fate squarely in the hands of Zahid and Rauf. His comments underline the importance of party hierarchy and collective decision-making within Umno, even as internal differences continue to surface over the party’s direction and alliances.
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