Don't jeopardise Madani, Zahid says amid DAP Youth-Akmal headbutting

Don't jeopardise Madani, Zahid says amid DAP Youth-Akmal headbutting


Published: Aug 17, 2025 5:40 PM
Updated: 10:17 PM



Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has appeared to nudge both his youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and DAP Youth to quit fighting.

The key message for both was not to let their actions harm ties within the coalition government.

Zahid - without naming names but believed to be directing the message to Akmal - said that party leadership decisions must be followed by all to preserve harmony.

"We have made a decision at the leadership level. Don't for the sake of popularising an issue or wanting to become the most popular, in the end, ties between parties are jeopardised, especially at the grassroots level," he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

As for DAP Youth, Zahid - again without mentioning names - warned that political decisions should not come at the expense of coalition unity.

"Because of one incident, we don’t want a political decision to be made that rocks the unity of the 18 parties that form the Madani government," he said.

The deputy prime minister also stressed that political action and legal action should not be conflated.

DAP Youth’s calls to cut ties

He was responding to a question about DAP Youth chapters pushing the party to sever ties with Akmal, calling the Umno Youth chief a danger to national harmony.

The call originated from Penang DAP Youth and has gained support from their counterparts in Kedah, Negeri Sembilan and the Federal Territories.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh

It came after Akmal's prolonged antagonism over a gaffe in which a hardware store owner in Penang hoisted the Jalur Gemilang upside down.

This culminated in Akmal, Umno Youth and Bersatu Youth having a shouting match against their detractors outside the hardware store on Thursday.

In a veiled response to Zahid later, Akmal posted on social media that his love for religion, race, and country is priceless.

"If that is what is being talked about, I have nothing more to say," he said.

‘Don’t be afraid to fly flag’

Meanwhile, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil called on the public not to fear flying the national flag.

“Do not be afraid to put up the Jalur Gemilang. Don’t feel scared. Some may be worried because a small group of individuals tried to stir up sentiment and exploit the situation to intimidate people.

“Do not take action on behalf of the police; the police will investigate. Do not take action on behalf of the Attorney-General’s Chambers; the AG will prosecute. Do not take action on behalf of the judges,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.