Umno AGM: Expectations high for Akmal's exit, polls postponement

 

The delayed 2025 Umno general assembly, which begins on Wednesday night, will be one to keep an eye on.

Expectations are high that Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh will formally announce his resignation.

Despite a denial by one of his lieutenants, all signs point towards an exit by Akmal.

This includes another melancholic and cryptic Facebook post yesterday, in which the Merlimau assemblyperson thanked Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh for his mentorship.

However, Akmal later indicated that he would abide by Rauf and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s directive regarding his post as assemblyperson and a Malacca state executive council member.

Akmal’s swan song follows a failed bid to convince the Umno leadership to quit the government.

Dr Akmal Saleh

While the subject of quitting the government, unhappiness with DAP, and cooperation with PAS is expected to be brought up during the AGM, it is not likely that Umno will change direction.

Akmal is also not expected to stage a last stand against the Umno president.

“As loud as Akmal has been, if we follow him, he has been quite deferential to party decisions and, in a way, to the current leadership,” political analyst Syaza Shukri told Malaysiakini.

“That’s why I think in his frustration, he talks about quitting. But I don’t see him leading a ‘coup’.

“Zahid is, I’ve heard, becoming more and more popular within the party. It’s like going against a wall with his (Akmal’s) calls to quit the government. So, I don’t think it would come to that point,” the International Islamic University Malaysia political science associate professor added.

Party polls

Akmal isn’t the only sore point Zahid will not have to deal with in the upcoming general assembly.

While delegates have not submitted any motions to postpone the party election, which is due in March, the Umno supreme council is expected to announce a deferment during the AGM.

In 2022, Umno amended its constitution to allow the supreme council to postpone party elections by 18 months, or up to six months after a general election, whichever is later.

A general election is expected in early 2027.

Syaza Shukri

Syaza told Malaysiakini that there would not likely be any substantial calls for the party polls to be held early, as Umno is in the government.

“Besides, no one wants to be seen as a destabiliser, much less Akmal,” she said.

She also said that Zahid’s grip on the party will likely be challenged if Umno continues to perform poorly in the next general election.

No invitations to other parties

The Umno AGM was supposed to be held last year but was postponed twice.

It will kick off tomorrow night with deputy president Mohamad Hasan launching the party wings’ meetings.

The main body will convene on Friday, with the AGM concluding on Saturday.

Umno has not invited any other parties to attend the meeting, citing a need for delegates to have a safe space to voice out. - Mkini