KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA January 4, 2026 – The National DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) today issued a strongly worded media statement urging UMNO Youth Chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh to resign as a Melaka State Government Executive Councillor (Exco) and join PAS if he is truly serious about his calls for “Malay unity”.
DAPSY labelled Akmal’s rhetoric as empty slogans and excessive political theatrics, stressing that Malaysia’s multiracial society needs effective government policies to improve quality of life rather than divisive racial politics.
“Instead of long speeches, DAPSY Kebangsaan urges Akmal Saleh to lead by example by resigning as Melaka State Exco and becoming the pioneer in joining PAS,” the statement read.
DAPSY questioned what Akmal claims are the real needs of the Malay community, accusing him of implying that the entire unity government — including the Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, and UMNO Chief Ministers — has failed to defend Malay interests.
The statement also highlighted the failure of the “backdoor government” led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, which had similarly championed Malay unity slogans yet collapsed amid the pandemic, forcing citizens to raise white flags in desperation. Political stability, DAPSY noted, was only restored after former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pakatan Harapan and the Anti-Party Hopping Act was implemented.
DAPSY pointed out the irony that Perikatan Nasional (PN), now the loudest proponent of Malay unity and led by Akmal as its Youth Chief, is itself increasingly fractured — especially after PAS and Bersatu emerged as UMNO’s biggest rivals and seized many of its traditional seats.
“It is unfortunate that parties which are busy splitting and failing to govern their own states effectively are being recommended as strategic partners by a Youth Chief who holds a doctorate,” the statement added.
Akmal’s close ties with PAS are no secret, DAPSY said, noting that he has never denied accusations of acting as a PN agent, yet top UMNO leaders have never endorsed or confirmed his stance.
“Anyone politically aware will realise that Akmal Saleh’s slogans are mere political theatre and will gain no traction. He could, however, set an example by resigning first. Otherwise, this is a clear case of ‘do as I say, not as I do’.”
DAPSY also questioned why Akmal, who refuses to relinquish his own power and position, continually pressures other UMNO leaders to leave the government.
The statement ended with a direct challenge: “If you dare, leave the Melaka state government first instead of shouting slogans daily for sympathy. Be a man.”
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