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Akmal Saleh wants us to clap for him.
He quits his Melaka Exco post, throws in big words like principles, dignity, and fight until the end, and expects us to believe we’ve just witnessed an act of rare political courage.
Sorry, Akmal. This isn’t bravery. This is theatre.
Let’s get something straight first. Akmal says he cannot accept UMNO working with DAP. Fine. That’s a political position. But here’s the problem: UMNO has already decided to stay in the Madani government. With DAP. Everyone knows this. The party knows this. Akmal knows this.
So if working with DAP is such a violation of his principles, the logical, honest move would be simple: leave UMNO, challenge the leadership, or force a proper internal revolt.
He does none of that.
Instead, he stays on as UMNO Youth chief - the very platform that gives him power, relevance, and a microphone - while pretending to be morally offended by a decision his own party continues to defend.
That’s not integrity. That’s wanting to have your cake, eat it, and still lecture others about nutrition.
Then comes the so-called sacrifice: quitting as Melaka Exco.
Let’s not romanticise this. The Exco post is where governance happens. It’s where you roll up your sleeves, compromise, and deliver. It’s also where you’re accountable. By resigning, Akmal conveniently removes himself from responsibility - but keeps his political voice loud and clear. No policies to manage, no outcomes to answer for, just vibes and slogans.
And the portfolio he abandons? Rural Development, Agriculture, and Food Security. You know, things that actually matter to real people. If integrity was the goal, wouldn’t staying and doing the job be the more dignified choice? Walking away from public service while shouting about dignity is… ironic at best.
Ah yes, and then comes the classic line: “I don’t care about money or positions.” Every politician who very much cares about power says this.
Let’s be real. UMNO Youth chief is far more valuable than a state Exco role. It gives national exposure, grassroots influence, and future political leverage. Akmal didn’t give up power - he upgraded his positioning. He didn’t leave the stage; he changed the lighting.
What really makes this episode laughable is the constant self-declaration of dignity. Integrity is not something you announce into a microphone and hope becomes true. It shows up in consistency, in sacrifice, in consequences. Akmal loses none of these. He doesn’t isolate himself. He doesn’t burn bridges. He doesn’t risk irrelevance. He gets applause instead.
This is why the whole thing feels like a stunt.
Akmal wants to sound rebellious while staying comfortably inside the system. He wants to condemn cooperation with DAP while benefiting from UMNO’s place in government. He wants to fight “until the end” without ever making a hard, costly choice.
You can’t be a rebel and a beneficiary at the same time, dude. Be a man and pick one.
So no, this isn’t integrity. It’s performance. Loud, dramatic, emotionally charged - but ultimately empty.
If this is what passes for principle in UMNO Youth today, then perhaps the problem isn’t just Akmal.
Perhaps the real joke is how easily we’re expected to confuse noise for courage.
Fa Abdul (fa.abdul.penang@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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