Akmal to announce his position in party, govt at Umno AGM

After his call for Umno to join the opposition bloc was rejected, Dr Akmal Saleh today insisted that he will bring the matter to the Umno’s annual general assembly next weekend.

The Umno Youth chief also said that his position in the party and the government will be announced at the AGM.

“InsyaAllah, we will continue to speak up at the Umno AGM next week, bringing the voice of the party grassroots through the branches and divisions.

“For the sake of the unity of our religion and race. Never be afraid to speak about what is right.

“It is not because of our positions and titles that we become leaders, but because of the people below,” he said on Facebook.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that Akmal had expressed his intention to relinquish his posts as Umno Youth chief and Merlimau assemblyperson.

According to a source close to Umno, Akmal informed a group of Umno Youth leaders of the matter via a WhatsApp message yesterday. At the time, he was still in Shanghai, China.

However, Umno Youth secretary Hafiz Ariffin later told Malaysiakini that Akmal had not resigned, as claimed.

‘Public have spoken’

Akmal, meanwhile, today said his side had already spoken up at the convention after listening to public voices.

“InsyaAllah, my position in the party and government will also be announced at the AGM next week.

“Who are we without the people who have elevated us to where we are today?” said the Malacca state executive councillor.

Akmal was also seen with supporters today at Dewan Sri Lamag, Kinabatangan, on nomination day for BN’s twin by-election candidates - Naim Kurniawan Moktar (Kinabatangan) and Ismail Ayob (Lamag).

Last Saturday, Akmal, who chaired the Umno Youth special convention, mobilised members to support his call for Umno to team up with PAS.

It is understood that the matter was also raised at an Umno political bureau meeting on Monday, and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported to have rejected the call.

Following Zahid’s rejection, Akmal posted a cryptic message about “stepping down”. This subsequently drew challenges from Pakatan Harapan leaders for him to walk the talk.

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