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UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh declared that he will step down from his role as Malacca State Executive Councillor for Rural Development, Agriculture, and Food Security next week, in a move coinciding with his keynote address at the 2025 UMNO Youth General Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) on Thursday.
Akmal Saleh announced on Thursday that he will resign as a Melaka state executive councillor next week, while retaining his position as head of the party’s youth wing.
Making the announcement during his keynote address at the UMNO Youth General Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Dr Akmal said the decision was intended to reflect the concerns of grassroots members.
“I apologise. Today, I want to announce that to show I am carrying the voice and anxieties of the grassroots, I will resign as a state EXCO, effective next week,” he said.
Dr Akmal said the decision was made after discussions with UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
He stressed that his resignation from the state executive council would not affect his role as UMNO Youth Chief, which he will continue to hold.
Yesterday, media reports quoted Dr Akmal as saying that he had openly conveyed his feelings and intentions during his meeting with Ahmad Zahid, and expressed his appreciation to the deputy prime minister for listening to his concerns.
However, he did not disclose the details of their discussion or clarify earlier whether he would remain in his government post, saying only that he hoped any decision taken would be in the best interest of religion, race, the nation and UMNO.
Akmal also took the opportunity to call for reconciliation within the party, urging UMNO leaders to welcome back former members who remain loyal despite having joined other parties. “I wish to appeal to the party leadership to stop internal disputes.
“If we dwell on past grievances, the Malay community cannot be united,” he said. “With all humility, I urge that the doors of UMNO remain open to those who still love the party, even if some of them have been suspended, expelled, or have joined other parties. It is not too late to offer them a chance, as the UMNO President said yesterday, ‘welcome back’—even as observers.”
The Youth Chief also confronted a news portal over an article linked to the assembly that included a pig image, demanding an in-person apology within 24 hours.
“We do not want an article of apology. I and the UMNO Youth Movement demand that you come to this hall and apologise openly,” he said. Dr Muhamad Akmal warned that should the outlet fail to comply, UMNO Youth would visit their office directly.
“We can be lenient if approached respectfully, but if there is insolence, we can be a hundred times more so,” he added.
In parallel, Puteri UMNO leaders pressed for reforms to secure the participation of young women in leadership roles.
Puteri UMNO Chief Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi proposed raising the age limit for membership to 40 to maintain continuity of female leadership and criticised the party for consistently sidelining Puteri candidates in elections, including general elections.
“What more has Puteri not given to the party? When a Puteri candidate is put forward, strict conditions must be met, whereas male candidates are given leeway—even if they lose their deposits,” she said.
“Puteri often faces discrimination. UMNO has historically provided a platform for young leaders. If it could be done in the past, why not now?”
She emphasised that young women should be afforded equal opportunities in political representation, reflecting the evolving political landscape.
“This is the era of youth. If the party hesitates to give space to young female candidates, we are straying from UMNO’s progressive tradition,” she said.
Nurul Amal stressed that the proposed increase in age limit is not a reactive measure but a consistent recommendation designed to ensure leadership continuity over the next 25 years.
“This is about ensuring the survival of Puteri and safeguarding the future of the party. It is not a question of legacy but of continuity and the retention of talent as assets and leadership jewels,” she added in her speech titled ‘UMNO’s Survival is Our Struggle’.
The assembly was attended by UMNO Vice President Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, and Deputy Puteri Chief Siti Sokhleha Nordin. - January 15, 2026