Maybe it's time to 'step down', Akmal says after Zahid rejects govt exit
Published: Jan 7, 2026 11:55 AM
Updated: 3:50 PM
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has given a cryptic message about "stepping down", after party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi rejected his call for Umno to quit the government.
In a Facebook post, he indicated that despite best efforts, an unspecified goal was not met.
"We have put in our best effort and delivered the best. Maybe the weaknesses came from me.
"Maybe it is time to mengundur diri (step down). Thank you to all the voices who love this struggle. I believe if our intent is good for religion, race, and country, God willing, the time will come," he said.
Malaysiakini has contacted Akmal for clarification.
Akmal held a convention last Saturday, during which he urged Umno to exit the government and join forces with PAS in the opposition.
The Umno Youth chief is understood to have presented his case at an Umno political bureau meeting on Monday night.
READ MORE: Anwar still PM if BN exits, but will Umno survive?
Speaking to the press yesterday, Zahid said there was no decision on Umno Youth's agenda at the Monday meeting.
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
However, the Umno president said the party will remain with the Madani government until its term ends.
He also cautioned against cooperating with PAS, saying Umno should not be "bitten by the same snake" twice.
Talks on MN revival
Umno had previously worked with PAS under the Muafakat Nasional pact from 2018 to 2020.
The pact fell apart in 2020 when PAS chose to join Perikatan Nasional and ally itself with Bersatu.
However, the Umno president said the party will remain with the Madani government until its term ends.
He also cautioned against cooperating with PAS, saying Umno should not be "bitten by the same snake" twice.
Talks on MN revival
Umno had previously worked with PAS under the Muafakat Nasional pact from 2018 to 2020.
The pact fell apart in 2020 when PAS chose to join Perikatan Nasional and ally itself with Bersatu.
While Umno and PAS remained in the same government until late 2022, the two parties clashed in the 2021 Malacca state election and the 2022 Johor state election.
PAS had entertained the idea of reviving MN after a clash with Bersatu, following a coup staged by the latter against the PAS-led government in Perlis.
But tensions with Bersatu cooled after Muhyiddin Yassin resigned as PN chief, opening the door for PAS to take over the coalition leadership.
However, some PAS leaders still appear keen to revive MN at the same time as leading PN.
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