Malaysia

UMNO feud escalates as Akmal challenges Lokman to court — or the ring

Youth Chief Muhamad Akmal dares MKT member Lokman Noor Adam to settle allegations either through legal channels or a physical bout, sparking accusations of 'thuggish behaviour'

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 23 Aug 2025 3:10PM

UMNO feud escalates as Akmal challenges Lokman to court — or the ring
Dispute erupted after Lokman publicly referred to Akmal as “Ketua Pemuda H20”, implying allegiance to Hishammuddin — commonly associated with the “H2O” moniker - August 23, 2025

UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has issued a fiery ultimatum to Supreme Council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, challenging him to face off either in court or in the ring, following allegations that Akmal is secretly plotting to promote Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein as Prime Minister.

The dispute erupted after Lokman publicly referred to Akmal as “Ketua Pemuda H20” during an interview, implying allegiance to Hishammuddin — commonly associated with the “H2O” moniker.

In response, Akmal released a video on Facebook on Saturday, saying Lokman now has “two choices.”

"You have two options. First, we battle it out in court. I will sue you. Second, if you’re too afraid to face me legally, then come here. Let’s settle it in the ring,” he said.

Lokman, however, fired back by criticising Akmal’s conduct as unbecoming of a senior party figure, accusing him of behaving like a “street thug” by inviting a physical altercation.

“He wants to take me to court? No problem. But not everyone behaves as childishly as Muhamad Akmal,” Lokman said. “He seems to forget he holds a position equivalent to UMNO Vice President, yet he’s acting like a roadside gangster.”

Lokman further claimed that Akmal was using his physical advantage — being younger, taller, and stronger — to intimidate an older man.

The internal rift adds to growing tensions within UMNO, with both men entrenched in an increasingly public and personal battle that threatens to spill over beyond party lines. - August 23, 2025

Spotlight

Malaysia

Singapore could bar under-18s from social media platforms that fail safety test

Malaysia

College student dies after falling from 22nd-floor condominium in Setapak

Malaysia

PM praised for ‘Medeka Day’ reforms; More needed to cope with rising costs – Guan Eng

By Ian McIntyre

World

Tupac Shakur murder case ends after 30 years as ex-gang leader found guilty

Malaysia

Unidentified man found dead in Sungai Buloh drain as police probe suspected murder

Malaysia

Four killed, four injured in 11-vehicle Pahang highway crash

Malaysia

Sarawak haze crisis deepens as five areas hit hazardous air quality

Opinion

Would the United States use nuclear weapons against Iran?

Malaysia

Tajikistan eyes bigger role for Malaysia in Central Asian market

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

You may be interested

Malaysia

Wisma Putra: 3 Malaysians missing in China landslide not new, total remains at 36

Malaysia

Woman pleads guilty to selling baby for RM17,300 in Kedah

Malaysia

Mood swings, secretive finances early signs someone may be trapped in a scam

Malaysia

Rosmah Mansor’s RM970m solar corruption appeal finally set for hearing

Malaysia

AI could become Malaysia’s next productivity engine — from SMEs to public services

Malaysia

Four arrested after 29-year-old seriously injured in Kajang attack

Malaysia

Palm oil entrepreneur loses nearly RM250,000 to fake investment scheme

Malaysia

Ministers say freedom must be felt in everyday life on Malaysia’s 69th Independence Day