Enggan kerjasama PH pendirian Pemuda Umno, bukan peribadi, kata Akmal

Dr Akmal Saleh clarified that the decision not to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the PRN Melaka election is not a personal one, but rather reflects the stance of the entire Pemuda Umno wings. This stance remains firm and he is unwilling to compromise solely for the sake of securing a position. He reiterated this decision, stating that it is not only his personal opinion, but also the declaration of the Pemuda Umno president, emphasizing their complete refusal to cooperate with PH.

"My leader does not know this, but this is the decision of the Pemuda leadership. It is my firm decision," he said during a media briefing after attending the 67th Dewan Pemuda PAS Muktamar. When asked about Pehcober Nasional (BN) leader Zahid Hamidi's statement the previous Sunday about discussions between BN and PH on cooperation for the PRN Melaka, after the Melaka State Assembly (DUN) was dissolved, Akmal stated that the BN chairman had endorsed the decision, but explained that he was following BN Melaka's leadership under Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusof for the upcoming discussions.

According to him, the decision for Umno not to cooperate with PH has been openly declared at the beginning of the year during the Pemuda Umno Malaysia Special Convention. However, he added, the Pemuda wings respect the party's decision to continue until the general election. He stated that at the beginning of the year, during the Pemuda Umno Malaysia Convention, they had declared their firm intention for Umno to step out of the current government.

"This is our firm decision. However, after that convention, the party decided to continue until the PRU is completed. So, we respect the party's decision," he said.