“Rightist Akmal can’t be so bold to declare fighting DAP all out without consent from UMNO top echelon”

 

SUCH is how political commentator Prof James Chin would surmise the absurdity of firebrand UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh in letting go his Melaka state EXCO position effective next week but continues to helm the party’s wing in his all-out crusade to contain DAP’s unwavering influence.

Revelation by the inaugural director of the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania is a tad shocking though it makes valid sense given the general consensus all these while has been that the Merlimau state assemblyman has acted in his own accord against the desire of UMNO’s top leadership.

In brushing aside the staunch defender of race and religion’s action as a revolt to hasten the collapse of the Madani government, Chin opined that UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi “is in cohort with the scheme” as a last-ditch attempt to save UMNO from a likely demise.

“Akmal’s action will have consequences in GE16 (16th General Election) … Akmal is being used to recover Malay votes (at grassroots level which the present UMNO leadership desperately lacks),” the Sarawak-born academician told FocusM in a brief WhatsApp exchange.

The view of the senior associate at the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) came amid Akmal reiterating his all-out war against DAP which is UMNO’s ally in the Madani government with the most number of parliamentary seats.

In relinquishing his Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairmanship, the Russian-trained medical doctor claimed that the decision was reached after discussions with Zahid who is also the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

“I apologise. Today I want to announce – to show that I carry the voice of the grassroots and their concerns – that I’m resigning as an EXCO effective next week,” he said.

UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh

Earlier, media reports had indicated that Akmal was considering stepping down from his current positions after his call for UMNO to withdraw from the unity government was rejected by Zahid who is also the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM).

What is most striking in his address at the three-day UMNO annual general assembly 2025 which kicked off yesterday (Jan 15) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) is that Akmal’s relentless attack on DAP has not ceased.

He went on to stress that his action was prompted by “the tramping of principles and dignity” by DAP “who came in to back up the culprits” on three fronts, namely the (i) KK Super Mart Allah inscription on socks incident; (ii) the halal certification incident; and (iii) flying an upside down Jalur Gemilang on purpose.

Whatever one’s view is on Akmal’s latest stance, by directly confronting DAP, he has actually declared war on the Chinese which will make it a lot easier for DAP to tackle the party’s core voters again in its GE16 campaign – “Look, Malay parties (be it UMNO or PAS) hate the Chinese”.

By proclaiming to act the name of “defending Malay dignity”, Akmal has also deliberately weakened Zahid’s position given the latter has already been facing immense backlash from UMNO grassroots following his failure to live up with his “No Anwar, No DAP” vow made in the run-up to the previous national polls. –  Focus Malaysia