KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh is not “sulking” towards Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, despite his earlier hint at stepping down, said an Umno Wanita executive council member.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Umno General Assembly, Datuk Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid said she is confident that Akmal will provide stronger leadership and guide the Youth wing in a positive direction.
“I don’t see any sulking. What I see is more like the relationship between a father and a son — a father to a son, and a son to a father. I believe the meeting between Akmal and the president was harmonious. He knows what he needs to do and how he wants to steer the Youth wing forward,” she said.
Nurulhidayah added that she is optimistic Akmal will emerge as a stronger leader.
“As usual, when someone embarks on a journey towards improvement, they will be tested mentally, emotionally, and in every way. I believe he is on the right path and is being tested to become stronger than he is now,” she said.
Akmal had previously indicated he might step down after his call for Umno to exit the unity government was met with a negative response from Zahid. However, he conveyed his “intentions and feelings” to Zahid yesterday.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/1356448/akmal-conveyed-intentions-zahid-will-reveal-decision-today-watch
Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said any decision regarding Akmal’s resignation would be announced by the Youth chief himself today.
On another note, Nurulhidayah dismissed speculation of any urgent or emergency motions ahead of the Wanita and Puteri wing assemblies scheduled for tomorrow.
She said this year’s general assembly is expected to set a clearer and more positive direction for Umno as the party prepares for the 16th General Election.
“We expect the delegates, especially from our youth wings, Pemuda and Puteri, to put forward proposals that chart a stronger direction in preparation for GE16,” she added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
