Akmal Saleh Hints at Resignation, Zahid Urges UMNO Youth to Accept Criticism

UMNO Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh hints at a possible resignation as party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urges the Youth wing to remain open to criticism.

PUCHONG: UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that differences of opinion and criticism within the party are part of the realities of political struggle, and should be approached with maturity and openness by all members.

He said this when commenting on a move by UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who hinted at the possibility of resigning from his position in a post shared on Facebook on Wednesday.UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that he himself, as well as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, had previously served as UMNO Youth chiefs, noting that differences in ideals are a natural part of holding the position.

“Differences in ideals are normal, but when differing views arise and we receive comments, we must accept them as part of respecting differing opinions, or Adab al-Ikhtilaf,” he said.

He stressed that leaders should be prepared to accept criticism, especially if they are accustomed to criticising others.

“If we have often given comments and criticised others, then when others criticise us, we must accept it. We should not label others as undemocratic or unwilling to accept reality, nor should we take shortcuts. This is a political struggle,” Zahid said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending the 2026 New Year Address to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) here on Thursday

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Ahmad Zahid added that the ideals of UMNO Youth must continue to be upheld even if proposals or suggestions are not fully accepted, citing his own political journey as an example.

“In politics, not everyone will agree with us. We must handle and engage with disagreement through explanation, not through inappropriate actions.

“I am saying this not only to him (Akmal Saleh), but in general to all Youth wing leaders in any political party who hold strong ideals,” he said

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Sharing his own experience, Zahid said setbacks should not discourage leaders from continuing their struggle.

“I myself have hit mountains, slipped on banana peels and fallen, but it did not cause me to fall forever. We can always get back up,” he said.

He also said that the possibility of Dr Akmal Saleh resigning had never crossed his mind, indicating that UMNO’s top leadership still expects the UMNO Youth chief to continue playing an active and constructive role.

Previously, Ahmad Zahid had stressed that he did not want to repeat past mistakes in response to calls by UMNO Youth to revive Muafakat Nasional, the political pact between UMNO and PAS. He said the matter remains at the discussion stage and has yet to be finalised.

Earlier, Akmal Saleh had suggested that Perikatan Nasional should be dissolved and that Muafakat Nasional be revived, following the political impasse in Perlis, which he said was aimed at advancing the agenda of Malay and Islamic unity.