Akmal, be a reformer or little boy in weak Umno

 It is true. An unknown politician has to stir up a controversy or be involved in a sensational issue to get himself noticed by people like me, and my colleagues in the media.

And they know it. Most failed at the job miserably, making fools of themselves, in the process. They do not amuse me. At least, that’s what I think, anyway.

Older journalists like me normally do not pay much attention to newbie politicians (and there are many of them around these days) because all, if not most of them, are in the “so-so” category.

I am actually very disappointed that I have not seen politicians with charismatic personalities and strong communication skills emerging in the Malaysian political scene for a long while.

These are the people who tend to command more attention as they are better at engaging with the public, expressing their ideas, and connecting emotionally with voters.

So far, there is nothing extraordinary, spectacular or super exciting about the politicians who have appeared in recent times to make us sit up to attention. Again, that’s my view, anyway.

I don’t think I was way off in my assessment of politicians, the newbie ones in particular, as this recent example has illustrated.

40 hadith issue

The newbie Umno Youth chief, Muhamad Akmal Saleh, is the almost perfect example. I had not noticed Akmal before this and knew next to nothing about him until his recent statement.

He has displayed what I would describe as arrogance towards non-Malay anxiety regarding the further intrusion of religion into education (with the planned introduction of “Imam Al-Nawawi 40 Hadith” appreciation module in public schools).

Akmal vowed that anyone - friend or foe - must be prepared to face opposition from Umno Youth if they question the plan.

Wow, such strong words, such tough-talking, what a condescending attitude in an act of misplaced valour! Right, Akmal has gained my attention, perhaps for the wrong reasons.

Now, I know that Akmal is 35, and was elected Umno Youth leader only in March this year, barely five months ago. He is also a first-term state assemblyperson and an exco member in Malacca since November 2021.

Instead of indulging in arrogant politics which will not win him support and respect, Akmal should have helped the unity government allay the fears and anxiety of ‘40 Hadith’ module by explaining, first and foremost, that it was only for Muslim students.

Even Lim Hui Ming, the Chinese deputy education minister has consciously worked to explain why and how the new ‘40 Hadith’ module would be taught in schools.

Akmal, as a Muslim and a member of Umno, an important ally in the unity government, should have done likewise instead of getting confrontational with others.

I think the sooner Akmal realises that talking big, acting tough and being arrogant were the condescending traits of Umno leaders which caused its image to be at an all-time low today, the better for him and his party.

MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker did right by advising Akmal to have the humility and respect to hear concerns about the government’s plan on the 40 Hadith module.

“Akmal’s statement sounds ‘brutish’ and ‘uncouth’ and it is this Umno Youth’s mannerisms that have damaged Umno and BN’s public image in the eyes and minds of the fair-minded Malaysians of all races,” Ti said in a statement.

Becoming liability

I feel that the danger with Akmal is that he seemed to be going the way of his predecessors in Umno Youth by trying too hard to be the pressure group as well as the radical voice in the party and BN.

Remember Hishamuddin (Hussein) and the flashing of his keris in the air at an Umno general assembly, vowing to destroy or kill anyone opposing the party. He received a lot of flak later.

Then, we heard of how Khairy Jamaluddin, another former Umno Youth chief, had insisted on Najib Abdul Razak’s innocence in the 1MDB financial scandal, only to be found woefully wrong in his judgment.

Akmal should be wary about becoming a liability to Umno by attempting to walk down the path of radicalism taken by many of his predecessors.

He should work hard to be a political reformer instead. That should win him support, appreciation and respect. This will also greatly benefit his political career and if he is successful, will be a definite asset to Umno and the Madani government.

At his young age, time is also on Akmal’s side. He has the time to develop a deep understanding of the issues he is passionate about. and become an expert in his chosen field. This will give eventually him credibility and help him propose informed solutions.

This is what Umno needs from its youth chief, a knowledgeable and hard-working reformist, not an uncouth rabble-rouser and streetfighter.

That is my message to Akmal - don’t be arrogant, stay grounded and be a reformer. That will not be an easy journey but one that will surely bring you support and respect, even adulation.

If Akmal chooses to go down the same, old path as his many predecessors, and forgo the reform vision, then he will be known as just a little boy in a very weak party.

Akmal is free to choose the road he wishes to take. Whatever decision you make, just be sure that you will not bring Umno Youth down with you. - Mkini

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FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.