KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has urged his supporters not to worry following his announcement that he will step down as Melaka state executive councillor next week.
The Merlimau assemblyman said the move should not be seen as a retreat, but rather as a strategy to strengthen Umno Youth’s organisational efforts nationwide.
“Don’t worry. Why? Because I have all of you and my comrades standing in front of me.
“When I announced my resignation as an exco member, many panicked, fearing that I would attack them full-time after this,” he said while delivering his winding-up speech at the Umno Youth General Assembly here today.
Dr Akmal said the move would also open up space for the emergence of more young leaders who are outspoken and courageous in championing the people’s concerns.
“I want to say this, when Akmal Saleh resigns as an exco member, God willing, I will produce another 300,000 Akmal Salehs to go after them,” he said, drawing cheers from delegates.
He added that involvement in Umno Youth was never about choosing an easy or comfortable path, but one that demands courage, sacrifice and a willingness to face political risks.
“We chose to be in Umno Youth not because we want comfort.
“This struggle has never been easy. But this is the path we have chosen,” he said.
Referring to an earlier speech by Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan yesterday, he said Umno Youth must not be trapped by nostalgia, but should instead focus on building the party’s future.
“We are not here to sell history, but Umno Youth, God willing, will create a new history for the country,” he said.
Earlier today, Dr Akmal announced his resignation as a Melaka state exco, saying the move was driven by his commitment to fight against the DAP and to represent the voice of the grassroots.
“I apologise, but to demonstrate that I truly carry the voice and concerns of the grassroots, I hereby announce my resignation as a Melaka state government exco member, effective next week.
“However, if anyone says that I am running away from the struggle, absolutely not. I am not leaving Umno Youth today,” he said in his policy speech at the Umno Youth general assembly.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
