Melaka Umno Exco Akmal Saleh to Step Down, Cites Party Grassroots Concerns
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr.. Muhamad Akmal Saleh has announced his resignation from his role as a Melaka executive council (Exco) member, effective next week, citing the need to reflect the voice of the party grassroots.
Dr. Akmal, who currently oversees the rural development, agriculture, and food security portfolio in the Melaka Exco, made the announcement during the Umno Youth Assembly at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
“I would like to apologize, but this resignation is necessary to show that I represent the voice of the party grassroots,” Dr. Akmal said. “I will resign from the Melaka Exco, but I will remain with Umno Youth.”
The Merlimau assemblyman explained that stepping aside from the Exco role will allow him to focus fully on opposing the Democratic Action Party (DAP). He also noted that his decision was discussed with both Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof and UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“They told me that fighters will not abandon their friends,” Dr. Akmal said. “I am proud to say that by bringing forward the people’s concerns, I cannot remain in the Exco while supporting DAP. I respect the party’s decision to remain in the unity government, but I must also listen to the grassroots.”
His announcement drew strong reactions from delegates, some of whom urged him to reconsider withdrawing his resignation.
The move follows calls from DAP Youth on Jan 7 urging Dr. Akmal to resign from his Exco post to demonstrate principle, following his public calls for Umno to exit the unity government.
Earlier this month, Dr. Akmal had hinted at resigning from his position as Umno Youth chief, acknowledging that his comments had drawn criticism from the party leadership. On Jan 12, he shared on Facebook that he had personally conveyed his intentions to Chief Minister Ab Rauf, who had been a mentor during his student leadership days and guided him on leadership and the spirit of struggle.