Vows to “fight DAP to the end”.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has announced his resignation as a Melaka executive council member, effective next week, saying the decision reflects the voice of the party’s grassroots and his own sense of dignity.
Currently serving as chairman of the rural development, agriculture and food security committee, the Merlimau assemblyman made the announcement during the Umno Youth assembly at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, on Thursday (15 January).
“I would like to apologise, but with this (resignation) it is to show that I bring forward the voice of the party’s grassroots. I will resign from the post as the Melaka exco, but I will not leave Umno Youth,” he told delegates.
Dr Akmal declared he was stepping aside to “fight DAP to the end”, adding: “I am brave enough to state that I am resigning to ‘lawan DAP habis-habisan’ (fight DAP till the end).” His remarks drew applause and cheers.
He revealed that he had discussed the matter with Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. “They told me that fighters will not leave their friends. That’s why today, I want to tell you proudly that because I have brought the people’s concerns, I cannot sit in DAP. I have to agree with the party’s decision to remain with the unity government until the end, but I have to listen to the party’s grassroots,” he said.
Akmal has frequently clashed with DAP, most recently after Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin celebrated a court ruling rejecting Najib Abdul Razak’s bid for house arrest. The incident prompted him to call for Umno’s exit from the government, leading DAP Youth to demand his resignation from the Malacca administration.
He admitted he had initially planned to resign from all posts but was advised by Umno leaders to relinquish only his exco position. Speculation grew after a screenshot circulated on 9 January suggesting he would step down entirely. While in Shanghai, China, he informed Umno youth leaders via WhatsApp: “When the Malays have spoken, and the party has made a decision. As someone who loves this party deeply, I accept the party’s decision, but what is the meaning of being a leader if we do not respect their voices? Therefore, with full humility, I feel that I must take full responsibility for the party that we love. So God willing, after I return from Shanghai, I will resign from all positions in the party as well as my position as an elected representative.”
In his speech, Akmal urged Umno’s leadership to end internal disputes and welcome back suspended or expelled members. “Enough of us fighting among ourselves. With full humility, I appeal to Datuk Seri president, that Umno’s doors be opened to those who still love the struggle, even though some of them have been suspended, some have been expelled, some have joined other parties, but their souls are Umno souls. It is not too late yet…as Datuk Seri (the president) said yesterday: Welcome back to Umno,” he added.
Despite calls from delegates to reconsider, Akmal insisted his resignation was necessary to uphold the grassroots’ voice and preserve his dignity.