Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has announced his resignation as a Melaka executive councillor effective next week, to “fight DAP to the end”.
Akmal said this at the Umno Youth general assembly, adding that he had discussed the matter with party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh.
He also said that he would remain as Umno Youth chief, as Zahid and Rauf had advised him that “a warrior never deserts his friends”.
“To show that I remain consistent in representing the voice of the grassroots, I am resigning from my post as a member of the Melaka executive council effective next week.
“For me, governments are not important. What’s more important is my dignity and the voice of the grassroots.
“Because of my dignity and principles, I am resigning from my exco post to fight DAP to the end,” the Merlimau assemblyman said.
Akmal said he remained unfazed by criticism and pressure from his rivals, insisting that he would not shift from his stance on issues.
“DAP challenged me to resign, but they are the ones who are piggybacking on the Barisan Nasional (BN)-led Melaka government,” he added.
Akmal is currently Melaka executive councillor for rural development, agriculture and food security.
The outspoken Umno Youth chief has frequently locked horns with DAP leaders over various issues despite the two parties being allies in the federal and state government.
Last week, Akmal said it was perhaps time to “step aside” after Zahid rejected his call for Umno to leave the government and revive its cooperation with PAS under Muafakat Nasional.
Umno Youth secretary Hafiz Ariffin later denied rumours that Akmal was resigning.
DAP Youth had also repeatedly challenged Akmal to quit the Melaka government.
Melaka DAP leaders meanwhile urged BN not to field “extreme” candidates in the next state election, in a thinly veiled reference to Akmal.
