This is Umno Youth’s stance, Akmal says on pledge to skip Melaka polls

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has stated that the rejection of collaboration with Pakatan Harapan (PH) was declared at the wing's convention earlier this year, not in his capacity as an assemblyman. Dr Akmal emphasized that his stance is that of Umno Youth and that they do not wish to work with PH. He clarified that he is unsure about the central leadership's stance, but the youth wing's position is clear.

Last week, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi mentioned that formal negotiations with PH on cooperation in the Melaka election were expected to begin after the state legislative assembly's dissolution. The Melaka government term ends on December 31, and elections must follow within 60 days of dissolution. BN won the state government in 2022, while PH secured five seats and PN two.

Dr Akmal reiterated the youth wing's rejection of any collaboration with PH, which was declared publicly at the convention. In January, Dr Akmal called for the revival of Muafakat Nasional, an electoral pact between Umno and PAS to consolidate the Malay-Muslim vote. Meanwhile, PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden announced that the wing will organize a gathering for Muslim unity with Umno before the 16th general election, open to all races who desire peace, unity, and wellbeing.