In a compelling address at the UMNO Youth general assembly, Dr. Muhammad Akmal Saleh, the chief of UMNO Youth, urged his party to move beyond its current supportive role in Malaysia's unity government and seek a return to political prominence. The event, held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, served as a platform for Dr. Akmal to outline his vision for UMNO’s future and call for a strategic shift.
Dr. Akmal expressed dissatisfaction with UMNO's existing position, describing it as subordinate to the other coalition parties. He highlighted the need for a stronger, more assertive role for UMNO Youth in the national political arena. His ambitious plan includes significantly increasing UMNO Youth’s representation in the Dewan Rakyat, aiming to transform the party from its current count of 26 MPs to a commanding majority.
“We do not want UMNO to be comfortable with the current situation of being a party that complements others in the unity government,” Dr. Akmal declared. “UMNO needs to return to being the dominant party in the nation’s political landscape.”
The UMNO Youth leader also addressed sensitive topics involving race, religion, and royalty—collectively known as the 3Rs. Dr. Akmal made it clear that while UMNO Youth is open to forming alliances, it will not compromise on these fundamental issues. “We can be friends with anyone, but if you touch the 3Rs, we will fight to the end,” he asserted.
Dr. Akmal outlined UMNO Youth’s recent actions aimed at defending Malay rights, citing several high-profile controversies. One significant example was the backlash against KK Mart over socks featuring the word “Allah,” which led to a successful boycott spearheaded by UMNO Youth. Another contentious matter involved disputes with DAP leaders regarding the funding of Chinese vernacular schools by alcohol companies.
“We have tackled numerous issues that resonate deeply with Malay-Muslims, including the controversy over KK Mart’s socks, the presence of alcohol companies in schools, and the sale of shares by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd,” Dr. Akmal noted. “Despite the challenges and criticisms, including accusations of being aligned with Perikatan Nasional (PN), we have been vocal and proactive in defending our community’s interests.”
Addressing accusations that UMNO Youth is acting as a proxy for PN, Dr. Akmal reaffirmed the party’s independence and its commitment to defending Malay rights, Islam, and the monarchy. “We will defend Malay rights, Islam, and the monarchy. We have proven this many times by clashing with our ‘neighbours’, to the point where people are accusing me of being an agent of PN,” he explained.
Dr. Akmal’s speech underscored UMNO Youth’s determination to rejuvenate the party's influence and assert its leadership in Malaysia’s dynamic political environment. His call for a return to a dominant position reflects a broader ambition within UMNO to reassess its strategies and reassert its role in shaping the country's political future.
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