For the past 2 years, UMNO Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh has found himself increasingly in the headlines, not for policies that unite, but for pronouncements that polarise.
As recently as early this month, Dr. Akmal openly chided a few politicians, including myself, urging us to ‘understand the history’ when we stated that Malaysia belongs to all Malaysians — a fact protected by our Federal Constitution since the nation’s formation.
Two weeks ago, when 15 DAP branches in Jasin Melaka (Dr Akmal is the UMNO division chief of Jasin) jointly and unanimously passed a branch AGM resolution that supports unity government candidate in upcoming Melaka state polls but will reject politics of extremism without naming anyone in specific, Dr Akmal responded by stating UMNO will go all out to fight DAP should DAP fight in any state seat in Jasin Parliament.
At a time when Malaysia stands at a critical crossroad — facing economic uncertainty, fraying social cohesion, and a youth generation crying out for hope and opportunity — it is deeply disappointing that the UMNO Youth Chief appears more intent on playing the tired card of ethno-religious provocation than offering a vision of inclusive leadership.
I challenge Dr Akmal to rise above the politics of race and religion and become a leader for all Malaysians — Malay, Chinese, Indian, Dayak, Kadazan, Orang Asli and all others. No political party in today’s context should feel content to remain a narrow factional voice as it will likely end up being a party struggling to find its footing in modern Malaysia.
If Dr Akmal is looking for a model, he need not look far.
His own party leader, Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh (“CM Rauf”), has shown that it is possible to wear the UMNO badge and still lead with an inclusive spirit.
Since taking office as Chief Minister of Melaka in April 2023 under the unity government, CM Rauf has adopted a no-nonsense approach to governance, preferring action over rhetoric. While I have expressed disagreement with certain policies or the manner in which they have been implemented, I commend and support CM Rauf’s broader vision — particularly in fostering hope among the youth, strengthening the tourism sector, and raising the economic well-being of the people.
Dr Akmal has passion, youth, and a platform. He now faces a choice: will he use these assets to divide or to unite?
The youths of Malaysia — regardless of race or religion — are not looking for leaders who shout louder; they are looking for those who think deeper. They want leaders who understand that in a globalised, digital economy, what matters is education, jobs, innovation, and integrity.
Will Malaysia in 2025 be a nation trapped in the racial politics of the past, or will it be a confident, multicultural democracy where its political leaders speak for all, serve all, and respect all? History will not remember those who played it safe in tribalism — it will remember those who dared to rise above it.
A real Malaysian leader walks among all communities, not just one. If CM Rauf can understand this, surely the UMNO Youth Chief can too.
Kerk Chee Yee
Deputy Speaker of Melaka State Assembly
DAP ADUN for Ayer Keroh, Melaka
Publicity Secretary of DAP Melaka
