'Two-thirds is our level': Akmal wants Umno as top boss again

UMNO AGM | Umno must not become too comfortable in its current role as a component of the coalition government and strive to reclaim its dominance in the Malaysian political landscape, said its youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

“Our feelings are similar to that of the grassroots, we do not want Umno to remain comfortable with the current situation.

“Umno must become the dominant party, the 26 (parliamentary seats it holds) must increase to two-thirds in the Dewan Rakyat. That is Umno’s level,” he told the wing’s annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

To achieve this objective, Akmal said Umno Youth must place its full trust in party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to craft the best stratagem.

“Umno Youth is committed and confident in the president to raise the number of seats to a two-thirds majority.

“Umno is not just a component (of the government) and we will work hard to reach Umno’s level to become dominant. This is Umno Youth’s promise,” he added.

Since the 2008 general election, Umno has witnessed an erosion in support which culminated in its defeat in the 2018 general election that brought the curtain down on its six-decade-long reign.

In the last general election in 2022, Umno experienced its worst-ever performance. The polls witnessed the rise of Perikatan Nasional as the new voice of the Malay electorate.

Akmal also reiterated that Umno Youth would oppose anyone who touched on 3R issues of race, religion and royalty.

“I said this last year, I will say it again this year. Umno Youth can be friends with anyone. But if you touch on race, religion and rulers, we will fight you to the end,” stressed the firebrand politician.

Umno Youth ready to contest Mahkota seat

When Zahid made an appearance during his speech, Akmal mentioned that Umno Youth is prepared to contest the Makhota by-election in Johor.

The Mahkota by-election will be held on Sept 28 following the death of its Umno incumbent Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.

The Election Commission has set the nomination day on Sept 14 and early voting on Sept 24.

In the 2022 Johor state election, Sharifah won the seat with a majority of 5,166 votes.

Last week, Umno clinched the Nenggiri state seat in the PAS stronghold of Kelantan.

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