Akmal Saleh to announce decision on posts tomorrow, says Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 13): Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh is expected to announce the outcome of his meeting with party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi regarding the former’s posts in the party and the government tomorrow.

Ahmad Zahid said he had met Dr Muhamad Akmal earlier this afternoon before attending the second convocation ceremony of the Umno Patriotic School at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here.

“I have met him earlier… I have given my best advice, and he will announce the outcome of the meeting tomorrow,” he told reporters.

Yesterday, Dr Muhamad Akmal said he would abide by the decision of Ahmad Zahid and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh regarding the positions he currently holds.

Dr Muhamad Akmal is also the Merlimau state assemblyman and the Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman.

The media had previously reported that Dr Muhamad Akmal hinted at stepping down from his party and government positions after his call for Umno to withdraw from the Unity Government drew a negative response from Ahmad Zahid.

Meanwhile, in his speech at the convocation ceremony, Ahmad Zahid said the Umno Patriotic School is not merely a political school but an institution for shaping minds, character and the spirit of struggle.

“It was founded on the belief that the struggle cannot be reactive, but must instead be planned, nurtured and passed on in an orderly manner.

“It is a point of trust handover to continue ideas, preserve values and lead the struggle with knowledge, discipline and wisdom… it is here that all of you begin your role as successors who will determine the direction of the party and the future of the nation,” he said.

Also present were the party’s top leadership, including deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.

The second convocation celebrated 110 graduates, comprising 54 from the Patriot 2 cohort and 56 from the Patriot 3 cohort.

The establishment of the Umno Patriotic School in January 2025 was an initiative to ensure leadership continuity grounded in the party’s values and to provide space for young leaders to grow into the party’s next generation of leadership. – Bernama