'Not a hero' Akmal shares article which crowns him 'hero of BN'

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, whose controversial remarks have made him both famous and infamous within different circles, claimed that he has never aspired to be a hero.

“I am not a hero and never want to be one.

“I am just holding on to the original principles of Umno, which have not changed - to safeguard religion, race and motherland,” he said on Facebook.

On Sunday, Malaysiakini quoted academic Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi as saying the firebrand politician appeared confused between “heroism and villainism”.

Interestingly, Akmal in his post titled “Facts and truth can be hidden, but they don’t lie” shared an analysis on the Mahkota by-election which crowned him a “hero”.

The article, which mentioned the Umno Youth leader’s spat with DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok, stated that although DAP failed to mobilise Chinese voters, the BN candidate still managed to win the state seat with a thumping majority of 20,648 votes.

It also credited MCA for convincing its 3,987 members in the constituency to cast their ballots through aggressive campaigning.

“The largest chunk of votes for BN came from Malay voters who have returned to support BN due to certain factors,” it added.

Apart from the coalition government ensuring political stability and reviving the economy, the article claimed that another factor which drew Malay support was Umno’s courage in facing DAP.

“This shows Umno has ‘jati diri’ (self-identity). Despite being part of the coalition government, it is still bold in defending the interests of the Malays when challenged.

“In this context, we can consider Akmal as the hero behind BN’s success through his unwavering actions in facing DAP despite having political cooperation (with DAP),” it added.

DAP should change its ways?

The article also suggested that DAP reviews its relevance and stand on current issues in the aftermath of the Mahkota polls.

“It is said that the results of the Mahkota by-election reflects DAP’s waning influence which can have an impact in coming elections in similar constituencies.

“At the same time, BN’s hat trick in Pelangai, Nenggiri and Mahkota is expected to have a major impact on Malaysian politics, and revitalise the BN spirit in facing the state elections in Sabah and Johor with more confidence.

“In conclusion, the role of leaders like Akmal in Umno cannot be viewed as trivial. As the youth chief, he and his machinery have elevated Umno’s image among Malay voters.

“Therefore, Umno must give Akmal its full support, including in facing Kok’s lawsuit and providing him with a greater space in Malaysian politics,” it added.

Kok had initiated legal action against the Umno Youth chief after his diatribe against her over the halal certification issue, where he called her an “old Nyonya” and suggested “sticking a non-halal logo on her forehead”.

Tajuddin: Umno undeserving of apology, be grateful for lifeline

'Old Nyonya' barb rears ugly head in Sabah politics

'More spoon than gravy' - PKR Youth chides Akmal for exaggerating

Akmal defends 'Nyonya tua' outburst against Teresa to cops