Defending Malay interests does not mean oppressing other races, says Akmal

KUALA LUMPUR, September 11 — Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has clarified that striving to unite the Malay community and safeguard its interests should not be interpreted as disregarding other races. He emphasized that Barisan Nasional's history showed how various parties can coexist while preserving their distinct identities, according to The Star.

"Barisan Nasional serves as proof of this. MCA has retained its Chinese identity, MIC has preserved its Indian identity, and likewise for PBRS. Umno maintains its principles without encroaching upon others," Akmal stated during his policy address at the Umno Youth general assembly. He appealed to members to put aside past disputes with other parties, including PAS, in order to concentrate on overall unity.

Akmal also dismissed accusations that Umno was "politically flirtatious" in its interactions with other parties. "We do not need to emulate PAS, and PAS can remain PAS. Mature unity enables us to handle differences with wisdom," he was reported as saying. Akmal further highlighted that the quest to unite the ummah stemmed from Umno's fundamental principles rather than recent state election circumstances.