KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh (
pic) has announced his resignation as a Melaka executive councillor effective next week, to “fight DAP to the end”.
Akmal said this at the Umno Youth general assembly, adding that he had discussed the matter with party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh.
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He also said that he would remain as Umno Youth chief, as Zahid and Rauf had advised him that “a warrior never deserts his friends”.
“To show that I remain consistent in representing the voice of the grassroots, I am resigning from my post as a member of the Melaka executive council effective next week.
“For me, government posts are not important. What’s more important is my dignity and the voice of the grassroots.
“Because of my dignity and principles, I am resigning from my exco post to fight DAP to the end,” the Merlimau assemblyman said.
Akmal said he remained unfazed by criticism and pressure from his rivals, insisting that he would not shift from his stance on issues.
“DAP challenged me to resign, but they are the ones who are piggybacking on the Barisan Nasional (BN)-led Melaka government,” he added.
Akmal is currently Melaka executive councillor for rural development, agriculture and food security.
The outspoken Umno Youth chief has frequently locked horns with DAP leaders over various issues despite the two parties being allies in the federal and state government.
Last week, Akmal said it was perhaps time to “step aside” after Zahid rejected his call for Umno to leave the government and revive its cooperation with PAS under Muafakat Nasional.
Umno Youth secretary Hafiz Ariffin later denied rumours that Akmal was resigning.
DAP Youth had also repeatedly challenged Akmal to quit the Melaka government.
Melaka DAP leaders meanwhile urged BN not to field “extreme” candidates in the next state election, in a thinly veiled reference to Akmal.
Umno must be honest about its enemies
Akmal said Umno should be honest with itself about who its true enemies are, adding that some of them were among its allies in the government – a thinly veiled jab at DAP.
He said this was widely known, yet the party was afraid to address it.
“Our enemy is there, within our own ranks and in the government. That enemy has repeatedly challenged us. To challenge once or twice is fine, but they have done so multiple times now.
“They have started to challenge our religion, our institutions, but when we fight back, we’re accused of being extremists,” he said, recounting the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah” at several KK Mart convenience stores.
Akmal urged Umno Youth delegates to use the general assembly to speak up for the grassroots they represent, giving them full permission to criticise the government over any issue.
While he conceded to the decision of the top Umno leadership to remain in the unity government, he expressed confidence that this could be reviewed if there was a strong enough push from the grassroots and delegates.
“Today, all of our delegates are here. Use this platform to debate and carry the voice of the grassroots. If the grassroots are uncomfortable with Umno being in the government, throw it out in this hall.” – FMT
