A tale of two youth leaders

Two youth leaders, Adam Adli of PKR and Akmal Saleh of Umno, are shaping the future of their parties despite not holding political positions. Adam, a former student leader, is known for his soft-spoken and progressive style, having been detained and harassed by the previous regime. He has progressed from PKR Youth chief to deputy minister of higher education after winning the Hang Tuah Jaya parliamentary seat.

Adam has tried to extend the benefits of the nation to less fortunate Malaysians and has been working quietly to build consensus on various initiatives.

On the other hand, Akmal Saleh of Umno, who was born a year after Adam, displays a contrasting leadership style. Known for his rabble-rousing tendencies, Akmal's career reads like a hall of shame, marked by several controversies. In 2025, he faced a defamation suit loss, losing RM300,000 in damages. Additionally, Akmal is currently charged with allegedly causing public fear, alarm, or disruption to public order after posting a viral Facebook video about the Jalur Gemilang being displayed upside down.

This charge stems from his comments on Teresa Kok, a political activist, who he labeled as "old Nyonya" and suggested placing a non-halal logo on her forehead.

While Adam has been working towards consensus and supporting various initiatives, Akmal's brand of politics remains a topic of debate. Some find it toxic, while others see it as constructive. As the 14th Malaysian General Election approaches, the contrasting leadership styles of these two youth leaders will be closely watched.