'Keep up your courage,' Tok Mat tells Akmal

 

UMNO AGM | Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has voiced support for the party’s Youth wing led by Dr Akmal Saleh to continue acting as a “pressure group” and assume the role of a “constructive opposition” within the government.

Citing the Jan 3 Umno Youth special convention, Mohamad said, contrary to others, he did not view the gathering Akmal organised as an act of insolence.

“I know Akmal and the youth wing raised and shouted about issues affecting the rakyat at the recent Umno Youth special convention. Some people said Umno Youth was insolent.

“To me, no. The role of youth is indeed to be loud and rebellious. The role of youth is to be the emergency bell. Akmal, Youth wing, keep up your courage,” he said.

“But be a constructive opposition from within the government.

“If there are government policies that harm the Malays or oppress the rakyat, it will be the Youth wing that rises and challenges them first,” Mohamad said in his speech at the simultaneous opening of Umno’s three wings' general assemblies - Wanita, Youth and Young Women - at the World Trade Centre (WTC), Kuala Lumpur tonight.

Mohamad Hasan

Umno Youth held a special convention on Jan 3, during which Akmal had dared party leaders and members “to not fear being the opposition”.

Akmal made the call for Umno to break ranks in response to actions by parties in government - particularly the DAP - which he accused of crossing the party’s “red lines” on matters that touch on Malay-Muslim rights.

Akmal had said the gathering received the blessing of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who, however, later rejected the proposal raised during Umno’s political bureau meeting.

Following Zahid's rejection, Akmal had repeatedly hinted at personal intentions to quit the party and as Merlimau assemblyperson, but he had on Monday openly said that he will abide by Zahid's final decision, as well as Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh.

When met by reporters later, Akmal described Mohamad's speech as highly "meaningful" and provided clear direction for the party.

"InsyaAllah, Umno will remain relevant, and we will prepare for the next general election," he said. - Mkini