Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has expressed appreciation for Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s willingness to consider proposals raised during the Umno Youth Special Convention, describing the move as an opportunity to reassess political cooperation in a more structured and cautious manner.
Speaking on 6 January 2026, Dr Akmal said the party could begin by examining suitable forms of collaboration aimed at strengthening Malay unity, adding that the current political climate made it timely for Umno to evaluate its long-term direction. He noted that Zahid’s readiness to listen to ideas from the youth wing reflected an inclusive approach within the party’s leadership.
According to Dr Akmal, the proposals discussed at the recent convention centred on two main principles. The first involved exploring cooperation between the country’s largest Malay-based parties, Umno and PAS, as a starting point for broader Malay political unity. The second focused on rejecting any attempt to destabilise the existing government through abrupt or disruptive manoeuvres, which he said could undermine national stability.
Dr Akmal, who is also the Merlimau state assemblyman, acknowledged that any form of political realignment would require careful consideration and consensus at the highest levels of party leadership. He emphasised that Umno Youth’s role was to voice grassroots sentiment while respecting established decision-making processes within the party.
Earlier media reports indicated that Umno’s top leadership remained cautious about reviving past alliances, particularly with opposition parties. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said the party was determined to avoid repeating previous political missteps. He stressed that all future decisions would be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure Umno did not suffer adverse consequences from hastily formed partnerships.
Zahid made these remarks when asked about the possibility of Umno and PAS resuming cooperation under the Muafakat Nasional banner. He clarified that while the idea had been discussed, there was no automatic return to past arrangements and no decision would be made without comprehensive evaluation.
He also confirmed that the resolutions proposed by Dr Akmal at the Umno Youth Special Convention were formally presented during the party’s Political Bureau meeting held on 5 January 2026. The matters were debated openly among senior leaders, but no final outcome was reached, indicating that further deliberation would be required.
During the convention held on 3 January 2026, Dr Akmal had tabled two key proposals: for Umno to reconsider cooperation with PAS and for the party to withdraw from the Unity Government to reposition itself as part of the opposition. These suggestions have since sparked wide discussion within Umno, highlighting differing views between the youth wing and the party’s central leadership.
Despite the differing perspectives, both sides have signalled a commitment to dialogue, suggesting that Umno’s next steps will be guided by internal consensus rather than unilateral moves.
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