In urging youths to create a new political history for Malaysia, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh reasoned that it would be preferable to be in a forced "arranged marriage" based on loyalty rather than deal with a "cheating partner".

Speaking at the Youth Unity Convention 2023, the Merlimau assemblyperson stressed a need to show the people how parties in government have moved beyond talking about past political rivalries to find common grounds in nation-building.

"There are people who said we're in a forced (arranged) marriage.

“But I want to say, our grandparents, our parents in the past when they got married, many did not know one another.

"What is the point of courting for 10 years but in the first year of marriage, the husband cheats?" he argued.

While Akmal did not refer to any parties, Umno had, prior to its move to be in government with Pakatan Harapan, ended its Muafakat Nasional pact with PAS that entered the last 15th general election as a Perikatan Nasional component party.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh

Hundreds of youth wing leaders and members from all parties in government gathered at Dewan Tun Dr Ismail, WTCKL, for the Unity Youth Convention 2023 - held alongside the Unity Women Convention 2023 for all women's wings leaders.

Further, Akmal recalled how Umno Youth members had in the past would not even cross paths with PKR Youth chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim but are now ready to work together.

"Our anger at the time, if we were to meet Adam Adli, we would scratch his face. But this is God's plan.

"Now we are together today, that anger has dissipated," he said.

Akmal said this in reference to Adam's stunt as then student activist in 2011 to lower a flag depicting former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak's image at the party headquarters where they are gathered today.

Akmal also outlined three principles for the longevity of the unity government - respect, understanding, and trust.

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu

Citing his recent criticisms of Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, Akmal today apologised to the agriculture and food security minister.

"I understand that my statement may have offended Amanah. From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologise," he said.

Last week, Akmal had reportedly criticised Mohamad's move to appoint five Harapan leaders - three from Amanah - to head government-linked companies (GLC) under his ministry's agencies.

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