MELAKA, April 26, 2026 – PAS Election Director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has dismissed UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s vocal attacks on DAP, describing him as nothing more than a “chess pawn” (budak catur) of UMNO president Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Sanusi made the sharp remark during a PAS Melaka event, pointing out what he called a clear contradiction in UMNO’s position.
“PAS views Ketua Pemuda UMNO, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh as merely being loud in attacking DAP, but in reality he is only a ‘chess pawn’ of the party president,” Sanusi said.
He explained that the claim stems from Zahid Hamidi’s decision to keep UMNO cooperating with DAP within the unity government coalition.
The statement underscores the ongoing political rivalry between PAS — part of the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) — and UMNO, which remains allied with DAP and other parties in the government.
A 48-second video of Sanusi delivering the remarks with emphatic gestures at the podium has been widely circulated online, including by Malaysia Gazette.
This latest exchange highlights the persistent tensions and verbal sparring between the two Malay-based parties as they position themselves ahead of future political battles.
This latest exchange highlights the persistent tensions and verbal sparring between the two Malay-based parties as they position themselves ahead of future political battles.
Akmal has previously responded to similar criticisms by pointing to his legal actions against DAP leaders as proof of his firm stance.
The development comes amid continued scrutiny of coalition dynamics in Malaysia’s multi-party political landscape.
About The Author
