The future of Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh emerged as a central talking point at the Umno General Assembly, as delegates grappled with his hinted resignation amid internal disagreements over the party’s political direction.
As Umno members gathered at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur for the four-day assembly running from Jan 14 to Jan 17, discussions on digital-era politics and party strategy were frequently overshadowed by questions surrounding Akmal’s next move. Among grassroots leaders, the prevailing sentiment was one of concern, with many viewing the timing of a possible departure as risky for a party still seeking to consolidate Malay support.
Several Umno Youth leaders expressed the view that while Akmal had every right to decide his own future, stepping aside now could weaken the wing’s momentum. Kota Tinggi Umno Youth committee member Razif Abd Rahman noted that opinions within the grassroots were divided, stressing that Akmal’s stance did not represent a unanimous position across the Youth wing. He acknowledged that Akmal had succeeded in amplifying Umno Youth’s national profile, even though each Youth chief had contributed in different ways.
Razif also highlighted unease among some members over what they perceived as inconsistency between Akmal’s long-held rallying cry of resilience and his recent signal that he might step down. From the grassroots perspective, he said, leaders were expected to remain firm, especially during moments of pressure.
The tension follows Akmal’s recent call for Umno to leave the unity government and reassume the role of Opposition, a proposal that was firmly rejected by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. After receiving negative feedback from the leadership, Akmal indicated that he was considering relinquishing both his Youth chief post and his role as a Melaka state executive councillor. He has since held discussions with Zahid and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to clarify his position.
Despite the controversy, some Youth leaders defended Akmal’s outspoken approach. Tanjung Piai Umno Youth chief Mohd Noor Fairuss argued that such frankness was essential to reconnect with Malay voters, particularly younger demographics. He viewed internal disagreements as a natural part of party dynamics and said voicing dissent was healthier than suppressing it. Fairuss also questioned whether there was any clear successor capable of matching Akmal’s ability to articulate grassroots concerns.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Dzainia a delegate from Jerantut, who described Akmal as a courageous political figure whose relationship with the party leadership reflected healthy debate rather than defiance. “He is brave, outspoken, and brings the voice of Umno Youth to the forefront. There is no one like him.” To him, Akmal’s actions were framed as proposals meant to strengthen Umno, not undermine it.
With the Umno Youth assembly expected to address the issue, many delegates urged continuity in leadership as the party looks ahead to the next general election. For them, stability within the Youth wing remains crucial at a time when Umno is redefining its path forward.
Kamran (kfiverr21@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!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact creator@newswav.com.
