KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has urged suspended or sacked party leaders to put aside their egos if they genuinely care about the party’s future.
Akmal said Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had expressed willingness to consider appeals from those subjected to disciplinary action.
“Umno belongs to everyone, and we must reunite. We need those (who were suspended or dismissed) to help strengthen the party,” he said, according to Berita Harian.
“But there’s one condition – everyone must set aside their egos. God willing, Umno will become stronger,” he was quoted as saying after officiating the Umno Youth Seremban annual general meeting last night.
He was responding to a motion by Umno Youth in Sembrong calling for the return of suspended former division chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
However, the Sembrong MP and former Umno vice-president has indicated that he is unlikely to appeal his suspension, saying he was never formally told what his offence was and that appealing should not be seen as a measure of loyalty.
Akmal said he was open to helping not only Hishammuddin return, but also other former leaders such as Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan.
“Those who were disciplined have made undeniable contributions. That’s why I say the most important thing now is Umno’s unity – and that unity cannot come from just one side,” he said. — July 5, 2025