{
  "id": 7031399,
  "title": "Akmal guna ‘prinsip’ seperti senjata politik, kata penganalisis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/akmal-guna-prinsip-seperti-senjata-politik-kata-penganalisis",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T00:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/09/13/akmal-guna-prinsip-seperti-senjata-politik-kata-penganalisis"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr Akmal Saleh, the President of Umno Youth, argued that questions should be directed at the PH regarding Umno's shift towards PAS. According to political analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri, Akmal's use of the \"principle\" argument to deny support to Pakatan Harapan and DAP lacks credibility. If Umno's principle is not to work with DAP, why does Umno remain in the federal government alongside it? During a session with the Umno Central Executive Committee on Thursday, Akmal accused the PH of testing Umno excessively. When asked why Umno would switch to PAS, he urged the PH to explain why they chose to make Umno choose between power and principle. Azmi Hassan of the Nusantara Academy argued that Akmal's view of cooperation as a political choice, rather than a mere loyalty issue to the Malaysian rulers, reflects a broader narrative. However, Zaharuddin noted that Akmal's claim of Umno being shackled by the core principles of the government is complex, as compromises in a coalition government do not necessarily mean abandoning principles. Principles that are only used to judge opponents are not principles at all but rather a political weapon. Akmal previously strongly opposed the DAP in Melaka, including resigning from his position as an Exco member to protest against the DAP, while still supporting Umno's decision to remain in the federal government. Zaharuddin stressed that these differences need to be explained if Umno wants voters to accept his arguments about principles. While Akmal's criticism of rising living costs has merit, he argued that Umno cannot simply criticize government actions without offering alternative foundations, especially since the party is also part of the government.",
  "summary": "Ketua Pemuda Umno, Dr Akmal Saleh, dakwa Umno beralih kepada PAS kerana PH banyak menguji Umno.",
  "key_points": [
    "Umno Youth President Akmal Saleh argues PH should answer for Umno's shift towards PAS.",
    "Political analyst Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri says Akmal's 'principle' argument lacks credibility."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Akmal guna ‘prinsip’ seperti senjata politik, kata penganalisis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/akmal-guna-prinsip-seperti-senjata-politik-kata-penganalisis-7033433",
        "published": "2026-09-13T00:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}