KUALA LUMPUR: Pas and Bersatu leaders have expressed differing views following Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh’s decision to resign as a Melaka executive councillor.
Pas Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden praised the move, describing Dr Akmal as a principled leader.
“Congratulations, brother, on your principles! Together we fight DAP! You Never Walk Alone,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Earlier today, while delivering his keynote address at the Umno Youth General Assembly at the World Trade Centre (WTC), Dr Akmal announced his resignation as the state Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman.
The resignation, effective next week, comes after Dr Akmal held the post since April 2023.
He said the decision followed discussions with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Pressure for Dr Akmal to step down mounted following his remarks at the Umno Youth Special Convention, where he called for the party to withdraw from the unity government and revive Muafakat Nasional with Pas.
Calls for his resignation came from DAP Youth, Pakatan Harapan supporters, and certain Umno members.
However, Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz questioned why other Umno leaders remained in the PH-BN government.
“Only Dr Muhammad Akmal is resigning to protest the cooperation with DAP. What about the others? Do other Umno leaders who remain in the PH-BN government agree to collude with DAP?
“One person resigning will not erase the lies and betrayals of UMDAP (Umno-DAP) leaders throughout their involvement with the current government, he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
