KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has likened Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh to a “mischievous but good son”, saying the wing leader’s vocal criticism stems from sincerity rather than defiance.
In his winding-up speech at the 2025 Umno General Assembly, Zahid said he never sought to restrain Akmal despite his outspoken style, describing their relationship as one of mutual trust.
“Akmal, this is a message from your ayahanda. I know you are a good son, but sometimes you are mischievous.
“When Akmal quarrels, have I ever controlled him or stopped him? No, right? Have I ever punished him? No, right? I am a good father. Does a father stop loving a child just because the child is sometimes mischievous? He still loves him,” Zahid said.
Zahid said Umno Youth’s forthrightness reflected its sincerity in championing grassroots issues and urged party members to understand the context behind the wing’s demands.
Addressing claims that the party leadership sidelines youth representation, Zahid said he had approved Youth candidates when approached.
“When Akmal came to see me to lobby for Youth candidates in elections, I agreed. In Mahkota, I gave a Youth candidate. In Sabah, five Youth candidates were fielded.”
Zahid said he had never attempted to silence Akmal, even when the Youth chief spoke out forcefully.
“When Akmal speaks out strongly, have I ever called him and asked him to stop? No, right? When Akmal wanted to organise a convention, I gave my permission,” he said.
Using a parental analogy, Zahid said outspoken youth leaders should not be mistaken for disloyalty.
“If a mischievous child loves the president once, the president will love him twice,” he said.
Zahid also shared his own experience as a former Umno Youth chief, warning Akmal to learn from past mistakes.
“Akmal, I was once the Umno Youth chief of Malaysia. You are fortunate you did not end up under the Internal Security Act. I did. Do not slip on the same ‘banana peel’ as your father,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
