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UNDER a sea of red that flooded the Putra World Trade Centre from early morning, Umno delegates streamed in to collect their passes and attend the party president’s closed-door briefing, but it was talk of a possible resignation by Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh that dominated conversations on the sidelines of the general assembly.
As delegates made their way into Dewan Merdeka for the first day of the four-day gathering, which opened with a morning symposium on politics in the digital era followed by a 4 pm presidential briefing by Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, a single question echoed among grassroots leaders: Why is “Mr No Fear, No Surrender” stepping back now?
Several Umno Youth leaders told Malay Mail they respected Dr Akmal’s right to resign but felt the move would be ill-timed and politically damaging for a party still attempting to rebuild its standing among Malay voters.
Umno Youth committee member for Kota Tinggi, Razif Abd Rahman, stressed that Dr Akmal’s decision was a personal one and did not represent a collective position within the Youth wing.
“At the grassroots level, there are those who agree and those who do not,” he said, referring to Dr Akmal’s recent proposal to revive Muafakat Nasional.
Razif acknowledged that Dr Akmal had succeeded in amplifying Umno Youth’s voice at the national level, even as he noted that previous Youth chiefs had done so in different ways.
“We’re not saying we like the idea of him resigning. But we respect his decision because it is an executive one made in his capacity as Youth chief,” he said.
However, Razif questioned the consistency of Dr Akmal’s stance, pointing to the slogan “No fear, no surrender” that the Youth chief had repeatedly used during his public clash with Seputeh MP Teresa Kok in September 2024 over remarks related to halal certification, which culminated in a RM25 million legal demand against him.
“From the grassroots perspective, we see that what he said before does not align with what he is doing now.
“Why the sudden change? Supposedly, you have to make a very firm decision,” he said.
Dr Akmal had also recently called for Umno to withdraw from the unity government, a proposal that was firmly rejected by Ahmad Zahid.
Following negative feedback from the party leadership, the Youth chief subsequently hinted at stepping down from his roles, including his position as Umno Youth chief and as a Melaka state executive councillor.
Since then, Dr Akmal has met Ahmad Zahid as well as Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to discuss his position and his recent remarks.
Malay Mail cited that it understands that Dr Akmal is expected to announce his decision during the Umno Youth assembly today.
His proposals were formally tabled at a recent Umno Youth special convention, where he pushed two motions: for Umno to resume cooperation with PAS and for the party to leave the unity government to take on the role of Opposition.
For Mohd Noor Fairuss, Umno Youth chief of the Tanjung Piai division, Dr Akmal’s outspoken approach was not a liability but a necessity.
“He is the voice of the Malays — especially the youth and the grassroots,” Fairuss said.
“What he proposed may be right if the aim is to protect Malay interests and bring back Malay support to Umno.”
Fairuss likened the internal disagreement to differences within a family, saying it was healthier to voice dissent than suppress it.
“If we keep quiet, the issue will never surface,” he said, adding that Dr Akmal articulated the views of many within the Youth wing.
He also questioned the urgency of any resignation, arguing that there was no clear successor who could command similar influence.
“Who else can speak up like him?” Fairuss asked.
A Jerantut delegate, who identified himself only as Dzaini, echoed the sentiment, describing Dr Akmal as a political fighter whose relationship with the party president resembled that of a son and a father.
“What he did was only to put forward suggestions,” Dzaini said.
“He is brave, outspoken, and brings the voice of Umno Youth to the forefront. There is no one like him.”
While acknowledging that Umno Youth has deputy chiefs who could assume leadership if needed, several grassroots leaders stressed that continuity was crucial, especially with the next general election approaching.
“For the sake of the party, he should stay,” Razif said.
“You are the Youth chief. Finish your term, at least until after the next general election.”
The Umno general assembly runs until Saturday.
Meanwhile, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin is expected to attend the opening of the Youth wing in conjunction with the general assembly at Dewan Merdeka on Thursday, Jan 15.
The matter was confirmed by Dr Akmal after he attended the simultaneous opening of the three Umno wings at the World Trade Centre late Wednesday night.
Akmal said the Youth wing had invited several former Youth leaders, including Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Khairy.
“They have confirmed all their attendance,” said Muhamad Akmal.
Separately, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the Youth wing must continue to speak up for what is right and play the role of a “constructive opposition” from within the government.
He also dismissed criticism that the Youth wing under Dr Akmal’s leadership had adopted a rude or inappropriate tone, defending its role as a vital internal check within the party. - January 15, 2026