Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that he had conveyed what he described as clear and firm guidance to Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh during a closed-door meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on January 13, 2026. Zahid said the responsibility now rests with Akmal to decide on the next course of action, with an official announcement expected on a later day.
The meeting between the party’s top leadership and its youth wing chief took place at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre, amid heightened speculation over Akmal’s future within the party. Zahid acknowledged that discussions had been held but stopped short of revealing specific details, emphasising that any outcome would be communicated directly by Akmal, who is also the Merlimau state assemblyman.
Zahid made the remarks while speaking to reporters after officiating the Second Convocation Ceremony of the Umno Political School at the Tun Hussein Onn Hall, also located at the World Trade Centre. He reiterated that his role was to provide direction and advice, while the final decision remained with the youth leader himself.
Earlier, Zahid had publicly indicated that he intended to meet Akmal to address questions surrounding the direction and position of the Umno Youth chief. Although no confirmation was given, the meeting followed persistent rumours suggesting that Akmal might be considering stepping down from his post. Zahid, however, neither confirmed nor denied the speculation, maintaining that the matter should be resolved internally and announced through the appropriate channels.
In a separate development, Zahid also signalled that Umno is open to the possibility of political cooperation with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia. As chairman of Barisan Nasional, he clarified that any such move would depend on prevailing political circumstances and developments involving Bersatu itself.
Zahid explained that discussions on potential collaboration would be approached strategically and assessed carefully before any firm decision is made. He stressed that the party would only move forward if conditions were deemed suitable and beneficial in the long term.
For now, attention remains focused on the outcome of the meeting between Zahid and Akmal, with party members and observers awaiting clarity on the youth leader’s position to comply with that advice and future role within Umno following the anticipated announcement.
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