DESPITE growing speculation over the past week that Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh may resign as UMNO Youth chief, party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said he has not been personally informed of any such decision.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said Dr Muhamad Akmal’s position and future would only be known following a meeting scheduled for later on Tuesday with the Merlimau state assemblyman.
“He will meet me this afternoon. I do not know what his decision is,” he said after officiating at the closing ceremony of the Multaqa Ilmuwan Islam Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur today.
He was responding to questions over the status and political future of Dr Muhamad Akmal, who had previously signalled his intention to step aside from his role as UMNO Youth chief.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, did not elaborate further on the planned meeting.
Yesterday, Dr Muhamad Akmal was reported as saying that he would abide by any decision made by Ahmad Zahid and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh regarding the positions he currently holds.
He said this was because both leaders had earlier selected him to contest in the Merlimau state seat and to serve as Melaka EXCO member for rural development, agriculture and food security.
Media reports had earlier suggested that Dr Muhamad Akmal was considering stepping down from the two positions he currently holds following negative reactions from Ahmad Zahid to his call for UMNO to withdraw from the Unity Government. - January 13, 2026
