UMNO Youth has called for the party to work towards reclaiming its dominance in the federal government, expressing dissatisfaction with its current role of complementing other parties in Putrajaya.
UMNO Youth chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh addressed the UMNO Youth general assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today, pointing out the need for UMNO to strengthen its position. He outlined a goal of increasing the party’s current 26 MPs to secure up to two-thirds of the seats in the Dewan Rakyat.
“We do not want UMNO to be comfortable with the current situation of being a party that complements others in the unity government,” Dr Akmal stated.
“UMNO needs to return to being the dominant party in the nation’s political landscape.”
He also issued a stern warning to coalition allies in the unity government against addressing sensitive issues involving race, religion, and royalty, collectively known as the 3Rs. Dr Akmal affirmed that while UMNO Youth is open to alliances, it remains uncompromising on the 3Rs.
“We can be friends with anyone, but if you touch the 3Rs, we will fight to the end,” he added.
Moreover, Dr Akmal highlighted UMNO Youth’s commitment over the past year to defending Malay rights, citing recent controversies such as the KK Mart’s sale of socks bearing the word Allah, which led to a boycott campaign spearheaded by UMNO Youth. He also referenced confrontations with DAP leaders over issues related to alcohol companies funding Chinese vernacular schools.
“We have faced many issues, such as the KK Mart socks controversy, (alcohol) companies in schools, the (sale of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s shares) and others.
I could go on, but these were major issues that were close to the hearts of Malay-Muslims which UMNO Youth fought for. During that time, we saw other youth groups stay silent, but only UMNO Youth spoke out.
Despite criticisms and accusations of being an agent of Perikatan Nasional (PN), Dr Akmal clarified that neither he nor UMNO Youth are aligned with PN.
We will defend Malay rights, Islam, and the monarchy. We have proven this many times by clashing with our ‘neighbours’, to the point where people are accusing me of being an agent of PN.
– Aug 22, 2024
