UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said he has fully conveyed his views, intentions and concerns to UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi following a closed-door meeting held on January 13, 2026.
In a brief statement released after the meeting, Dr Akmal indicated that he had shared everything that was weighing on his mind with the party president and expressed appreciation for Zahid’s willingness to listen and offer guidance. He described the exchange as sincere and framed it as part of a broader commitment to UMNO’s struggle for religion, the nation and the country.
Earlier on the same day, Zahid confirmed that he had met Dr Akmal but chose not to disclose the substance of their discussion. He said the outcome of the meeting would be announced by Dr Akmal on January 14, 2026, leaving room for continued speculation over the future direction of the UMNO Youth wing.
The meeting comes amid growing attention on Dr Akmal’s political position after reports suggested that he was considering stepping down from his party and government roles. These reports emerged following his recent call for UMNO to withdraw from the unity government, a stance that reportedly did not sit well with the party’s top leadership.
Dr Akmal’s remarks advocating a reassessment of UMNO’s participation in the unity government had triggered mixed reactions within the party, with some leaders cautioning against moves that could destabilise the current political arrangement. Zahid had earlier reaffirmed UMNO’s commitment to the unity government, stressing that the decision reflected the party’s collective position rather than that of any individual leader.
Against this backdrop, the meeting between Zahid and Dr Akmal was widely viewed as a critical moment for internal party cohesion, particularly within the youth wing, which has traditionally played an influential role in shaping UMNO’s grassroots sentiment.
Dr Akmal currently holds several key positions. He is the Merlimau state assemblyman and serves as Melaka’s Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security executive councillor. Within UMNO, he has emerged as a prominent and outspoken figure, often voicing positions that resonate strongly with sections of the party’s base.
While no formal decision has yet been announced, observers expect Dr Akmal’s statement to clarify whether he intends to remain in his current roles or make changes in response to the recent controversy. For now, both sides appear to be signalling a desire to manage internal differences through dialogue, as UMNO navigates the challenges of maintaining unity within the broader coalition government.
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