Akmal’s use of principle only a political weapon, says analyst

Dr Akmal Saleh, the Umno Youth chief, recently stated that partnering with PAS is more consistent with the party's principles, a claim that may not hold up if Umno struggles to justify its continued presence in the unity government, according to political analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri. While Akmal is entitled to criticize the government, using Umno's principles as the basis for rejecting Pakatan Harapan and DAP is seen as lacking credibility, according to Ahmad.

When asked why Umno has cooperated with PAS, the analyst questioned why Umno remains in the federal government alongside DAP, a component party of Pakatan Harapan. Akmal argued that PAS cooperation is the more suitable option because PH has repeatedly tested Umno's principles, dignity, and Malay-Muslim sensitivities. Umno had previously pledged to remain in opposition if the 2022 general election resulted in a hung Parliament, but agreed to form the government due to respect for the king's wishes, according to Akmal.

However, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara suggested that Akmal views such cooperation as a political choice rather than a matter of loyalty to the Malay rulers. Azmi noted that Akmal's narrative presents cooperation with PAS as a political option, even though the party's leadership has not made a final decision. Furthermore, the analyst pointed out that Akmal's "principle argument" became complicated, as compromise in a coalition government does not necessarily mean abandoning one's principles.

Zaharuddin emphasized that using a principle only to measure opponents renders it a political weapon rather than a genuine principle.