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

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 — Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh argued that defending Malay interests does not mean oppressing other races. He stressed that efforts to unite the Malay community should not be interpreted as marginalising other ethnic groups. Akmal pointed to Barisan Nasional’s past as evidence that diverse parties can coexist while preserving their unique identities.

He noted that MCA has maintained its Chinese identity, MIC its Indian identity, and PBRS its own distinctiveness. During his policy address at the Umno Youth general assembly, Akmal told delegates that Umno upholds its principles without infringing on the rights of others. He urged members to put aside historical grievances with parties like PAS in order to focus on broader unity.

Akmal also rejected allegations that Umno was being “politically flirtatious” in its dealings with other parties. “We do not need to emulate PAS, nor can PAS remain solely as PAS. Mature unity allows us to navigate our differences with wisdom,” he said. Akmal further emphasized that the drive to bring the ummah together originated from Umno’s core beliefs rather than recent state election developments.