'Do not step on our toes first,' says Akmal despite Zahid's warning

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh appears to be recalcitrant after his party chief reminded members to stop “teasing” component parties of the coalition government.

Instead, Akmal told others to “not step on our toes first” in a statement on Facebook, albeit without referring to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s warning.

“Do not step on our toes first if you are scared to have us step on yours.

“Do not think that we will stay quiet when you mess with us. While some others might (keep their heads down), but we won’t be,” he said.

Yesterday, Zahid said Pakatan Harapan did not owe Umno an apology for decades of allegations against the latter.

“There is no need for an apology. Don’t tease component parties of the unity government.

“We must respect each other; what matters is we must maintain the state and unity of the government now,” he told reporters after an event in Putrajaya.

The Umno president said that Akmal’s statements were personal and did not reflect the party’s official stance.

“As long as a statement is not issued by a party chief or president, they are considered personal opinions,” he stressed.

The deputy prime minister said he had met Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim regarding Umno leaders’ recent criticisms against Harapan component parties.

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