Umno president Zahid Hamidi to meet Akmal Salleh after his Melaka exco resignation.
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he will hold a meeting with Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Salleh to understand his next political moves after stepping down as a Melaka state executive councillor.
“I want to know who he intends to go after in this matter,” Zahid told reporters, responding to questions about whether Akmal’s resignation could affect Umno’s cooperation within the Madani government.
Speaking after attending the Umno Overseas Club programme on the sidelines of the 2025 Umno General Assembly, Zahid explained that Akmal’s resignation was made after discussions with him and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
“I respect his decision. Perhaps this will give him more time to engage with the grassroots, especially the 191 Umno Youth divisions, and mobilise the youth machinery. That is his personal right, and he knows what he is doing,” Zahid said.
On Akmal’s call for Umno to revive cooperation with PAS under Muafakat Nasional (MN), Zahid stressed that the matter would be decided by the party’s Supreme Council.
Zahid also acknowledged the presence of former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar at the assembly, noting that Akmal had invited him. Zahid added that Khairy had sought his consent beforehand, which he granted. However, Zahid clarified that Umno has not received any application from Khairy to rejoin the party since his expulsion in 2023.
