KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has called for unity between Umno and PAS to bolster Malay political strength amid the nation's increasingly complex political landscape.
He made the appeal while addressing the Umno Youth Special Convention at Dewan Tun Dr Ismail, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), today.
Dr Akmal highlighted the importance of the two largest Malay-based political parties joining forces to safeguard the political power, dignity, and influence of the Malay community in Malaysia’s evolving political scene.
“The time has come for both parties to set aside past differences and rivalries for the greater interests of religion, race, and nation,” he stated.
He acknowledged the history of verbal clashes and conflicts between the two parties but urged that these past issues be overcome for the sake of national unity.
“We acknowledge that there have been verbal clashes, disagreements, resentment, anger, and conflicts in the past. But the time has come for us to reconnect, to rise above these differences and revive a greater sense of purpose in restoring the national interest,” he continued.
The convention, themed ‘The Direction of Umno within the Unity Government,’ saw approximately 1,800 delegates attend, many of whom expressed their opinions openly, including reassessing Umno’s position within the Unity Government.
Akmal emphasised that Umno, particularly through its Youth wing and leadership, was committed to serving as a platform for Malay unity, as part of its broader responsibility to protect Islam, the Malay community, and the nation.
“The call for unity is not driven by nostalgia or romanticism of past political cooperation, but by the urgent need to ensure the survival of the Malay community in the current political climate,” he stressed.
He further urged for the closure of old political wounds and the forging of a new beginning for the sake of unity.
“This is not about nostalgia or historical romanticism. This is about the survival of the Malays. I urge the leadership to close old chapters. If there are lingering grievances, let us close them and open a new page,” he said.
Dr Akmal also pointed out that resistance to unity stemmed not from the grassroots, but from the reluctance of political leaders to compromise.
“In truth, the grassroots do not have major problems with unity. The divisions often arise from leadership that is unwilling to open its heart,” he said.
He made a heartfelt plea to the leadership, calling for forgiveness and reconciliation.
“I call upon the leadership of my own party and other parties — enough is enough. Our religion and our race need us today. Open your hearts and forgive one another. I cannot bear to see Malays continue to be humiliated in their own homeland,” Dr Akmal added.
The Umno Youth chief concluded by stressing that his party stood ready to shoulder the responsibility of uniting the Malay community, not for political gain, but for the long-term preservation of national harmony and dignity. - January 3, 2026
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