Dignity more important than power: Umno Youth says Unity govt can remain intact despite party’s withdrawal

Umno Youth chief, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, said he rejected any form of power seizure, emphasising that the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would remain intact even if Umno were to leave the coalition. - Scoop file pic, January 3, 2025


Dignity more important than power: Umno Youth says Unity govt can remain intact despite party’s withdrawal


Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh reaffirms commitment to honour and principles, urging Umno to reassess its position and strengthen itself for GE16



Sandru Narayanan
Updated 37 seconds ago
3 January, 2026
6:54 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Youth has stressed that it has no intention of staging a power grab within the Unity Government, instead urging the party to withdraw from the administration and reposition itself as a dignified and credible opposition force.

Its chief, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, said he rejected any form of power seizure, emphasising that the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would remain intact even if Umno were to leave the coalition.

“Today, the situation is very different. Umno has 26 parliamentary seats, while the government has between 152 and 153 seats. Even without Umno, the Unity Government would still stand.

“You lead and govern the country. Let Umno become the opposition,” he said.

Speaking at the Special Convention titled ‘Umno’s Direction: To Remain in or Leave the Unity Government’, Akmal said the party should prioritise dignity and principle over remaining in power at any cost.

“We are not interested in seizing power through the back door. Let the government continue to lead. Umno must strengthen itself and prepare for the 16th General Election (GE16).

“What is the point of being in government if we lose our dignity? Umno was not created to survive without honour,” he said.

Akmal added that it would be more honourable for Umno to stand outside the government than to remain in an administration that failed to respect the values and sensitivities of the Malay-Muslim community.

“If dignity is the price we must pay, then let Umno stand outside the government with pride. We may lose power, but we must not lose our dignity,” he said.

The Unity Government is made up of seven main parties, namely Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Parti Warisan (Warisan), Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM).

Overall, support for the Unity Government comprises approximately 148 to 150 Members of Parliament, excluding opposition MPs who have openly declared their support for Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.

Akmal’s remarks followed criticism directed at leaders within the Unity Government, who were alleged to have failed to safeguard sensitivities, particularly on matters relating to religion, race, and the institution of the Malay Rulers.

“Should Umno remain in a government that fails to respect the dignity of the Malay-Muslim community?” Akmal asked.

He said the proposal for Umno to reassess its position in the Unity Government would be brought to the party’s Supreme Council meeting and the Umno General Assembly scheduled for January 14.

At the same time, Akmal reiterated his call for renewed political cooperation between Umno and PAS as a step towards uniting the Malay community.

“I call for Malay unity to begin with the two largest Malay-based parties. Umno and PAS must take the lead.

“Umno must be a party with dignity. It must never survive by sacrificing its principles or its honour,” he said.

Last week, Akmal and PAS leaders exchanged statements on social media regarding the possibility of forming a Muafakat Nasional 2.0, although no official meeting has taken place between the two parties thus far. – January 3, 2026