No bad blood with DAP, merely echoing grassroots' views - Umno Youth chief

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh today said the question of his wing's commitment to assist Pakatan Harapan Youth and others in government for the upcoming six state elections does not arise even without any forthcoming apology from DAP.

Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the final day of Umno's general assembly, Akmal clarified that his initial demand for an apology from the DAP was made on behalf of Umno grassroots.

"I want to clearly state there are good relations between Umno Youth and Harapan Youth.

"But now we are at Umno annual general assembly and this is the stage to bring up the grassroots’ voices," said Akmal, stressing that the call does not represent his personal ties with DAP Youth leaders or other youth leaders in the government.

The Malacca Health exco said he was recently in touch with DAP Youth chief Dr Kelvin Yii to plan a meeting and discuss BN's cooperation with Harapan and others, in preparing for the state polls expected next month.

"There is no issue in working together, but we must be clear that we (Umno Youth) need to carry the grassroots’ voice.

"These (issues) were based on outcomes from the branches and divisions which must be brought here, and we cannot hide the real issue," said the Merlimau assemblyperson.

"Umno Youth must be brave to address the real issue so the grassroots will trust their leaders. That is more important," he added.

Yesterday, MCA Youth deputy chairperson Tan Chee Hiong echoed Akmal's call and urged DAP to engage in self-reflection before it can have a fresh start.

Apology just to defuse tensions

Regardless of his personal relations, Akmal insisted that many Umno supporters had voiced their unhappiness with the DAP and so, an apology would be the fastest way to defuse any tensions.

Akmal, in his opening speech at the Umno Youth general assembly, first made a call for the DAP to apologise over condemnations made when the parties were foes.

Quizzed on alleged tension between a segment of Umno Youth delegates and Zahid, who dismissed his call for the DAP to apologise, Akmal denied the matter.

Instead, he said the president had accepted many of their views, including to incorporate certain suggestions as part of the main policy speech.

Zahid previously said matters arising with DAP had been resolved during negotiations for the establishment of the federal government and should not be raised again.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke also echoed Zahid’s view and called on the federal government’s parties to let bygones be bygones.

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