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THERE was no necessity for UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh to step down as a Melaka state executive councillor, according to UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, who said the resignation carried little political weight and was not required for Akmal to continue championing party causes.
Mohd Puad said the Merlimau assemblyman also did not need to relinquish his position as UMNO Youth chief, stressing that holding office within a Barisan Nasional-led state government was fundamentally different from exiting a Pakatan Harapan-led administration.
“Resigning as an exco in a BN-led government is not the same as leaving a PH-led government. And resigning as Melaka exco does not ‘carry weight’ compared with stepping down as Youth chief in a ‘pull the plug’ issue,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
“Akmal does not need to resign as Melaka exco or as UMNO Youth chief. What matters is to continue fighting, even while being in the same government,” he added.
Dr Muhamad Akmal announced his resignation as Melaka executive councillor for Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security while delivering his policy speech at the UMNO Youth assembly in conjunction with the UMNO General Assembly 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. He also made clear that he would remain as UMNO Youth chief, dispelling earlier speculation that he might step down from both roles.
Mohd Puad suggested that Akmal may have had his own valid reasons for relinquishing the state exco post but reiterated that it was not essential for pursuing political opposition.
“The media keep calling to ask for my comments on Dr Akmal’s resignation as Melaka exco. My answer is simple. There is no need,” he said.
“Fighting DAP does not require a full-time commitment to the extent of resigning as Melaka exco. Melaka is a BN-led government,” he added.
Earlier, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said he would wait for Akmal’s official resignation letter, noting that the decision on whether to accept it would ultimately rest with him.
Akmal’s resignation has meanwhile triggered mixed responses from leaders of the Democratic Action Party, ranging from pointed criticism to conciliatory remarks.
In a social media post, DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong questioned Akmal’s political direction, suggesting that his move reflected a misreading of political realities.
“Hard-headed people cannot be taught,” Woo said, adding sarcastically that Akmal’s political setback did not originate from DAP but from Perikatan Nasional, which he said had captured the seat.
Melaka DAP Youth chief Cassel Krishnan said the party would not be distracted by Akmal’s declaration that his resignation was motivated by a desire to confront DAP.
“DAP will continue to focus on fighting corruption, defending the rights of ordinary people and developing a new generation of leaders grounded in mature and responsible politics,” he said.
Taking a more measured tone, Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said political change was a natural part of public life and that leadership transitions were to be expected.
He thanked Akmal for his service as a Melaka exco member and wished him well in his future endeavours, describing the resignation as part of the normal evolution of political careers. - January 15, 2026