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United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh has announced his resignation from the Melaka government’s executive council
Speaking at the UMNO Youth Assembly at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (15 January), the Merlimau assemblyman said he was stepping down from his post as state executive councillor for rural development, agriculture, and food security.
According to Malaysia Kini, Akmal said he had earlier intended to resign from his post but UMNO leaders advised him against it. He also added that his decision was based on dignity and a vow to “fight DAP to the end”.
Akmal has always been at odds with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) over various issues, one of which was with DAP’s Puchong member of parliament Yeo Bee Yin over celebrating a court ruling rejecting former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s bid to be placed under house arrest.
The incident prompted Akmal to call for UMNO’s exit from the government, which in turn led DAP Youth to tell the UMNO Youth chief to quit from the Melaka government instead.
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He claimed many were “flailing” when he announced his resignation
Akmal claimed that certain parties were “flailing” after he said he is stepping down from the Melaka Exco position.
He said that there were those who were restless from being worried they might become targets of his “attacks”, Sinar Harian reported.
“Why were so many flailing around when I resigned as Exco? Because they’re afraid I’ll fully commit to attacking them after this,” he said.
Meanwhile, UMNO president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he will be meeting with Akmal to clarify matter regarding the resignation.
When asked whether Akmal’s resignation will affect cooperation among parties in the government, Zahid said “I want to know. I will meet him. Who does he want to attack in this matter?”
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DAP Youth slams Akmal over wrong target
DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong posted a retort on Facebook directed at Akmal, reminding him that his real enemy is Perikatan Nasional (PN). He questioned why Akmal would fight against DAP when it was PN that stole UMNO’s seats.
At the same time, Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden welcomed Akmal’s announcements. In a post on Facebook, Afnan praised the UMNO Youth chief’s decision and offered to team up against their common enemy. He said “We will fight DAP together and you will never walk alone”.
Puad Zarkashi downplays Akmals Exco exit
UMNO supreme council member Puad Zarkashi said in a Facebook post that fighting DAP does no require a full-time commitment that would necessitate resigning as an Exco member.
“Resigning as Melaka Exco does not ‘carry weight’ compared to resigning as youth chief in a ‘pull the plug’ issue.
“Akmal does not have to leave his post as Melaka Exco or as youth chief. What is important is that a fight is a fight even under the same government but maybe Akmal has his own rationales,” Puad said.
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