Kuala lumpur: UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi clarified that Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh's resignation as a Melaka State Executive Councillor (Exco) should not be interpreted as an indication of pressure on UMNO to exit the Unity Government. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the UMNO Youth Chief's decision was made independently and without any external coercion.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid explained that Dr Muhamad Akmal had previously discussed his resignation with both him and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. The decision was ultimately made by the Merlimau Assemblyman himself. Ahmad Zahid expressed respect for Dr Muhamad Akmal's choice to step down from his position as a Melaka State Exco member, as he conveyed to reporters during a special meeting with overseas UMNO delegates and the launch of the new Overseas UMNO Club logo.

Earlier, in his policy speech as UMNO Youth Chief, Dr Muhamad Akmal announced his resignation as the Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture, and Food Security Exco, which will take effect next week. Ahmad Zahid noted that this move would enable Dr Muhamad Akmal to concentrate entirely on party responsibilities, especially in fortifying the Youth wing at the grassroots level.

In a related development, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that former Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin's attendance at the 2025 UMNO Youth General Assembly received his approval. He recounted a meeting with Khairy the previous night where Khairy sought his endorsement for the assembly, which Ahmad Zahid granted. Nonetheless, he pointed out that any decision regarding Khairy's potential rejoining of UMNO is contingent upon an application by the former Health Minister. Khairy was expelled from UMNO in January 2023 after his criticisms of the party's leadership during the 15th General Election campaign.