KUALA LUMPUR – The voices of young people must be heard and never silenced, as doing so risks repeating past mistakes that weakened Barisan Nasional (BN).
Umno Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki stated that youth perspectives, including those voiced by Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, should be respected and incorporated into the party.
He added that Umno has always served as a platform that welcomes differing views.
“I believe we must celebrate differences of opinion, and Umno has always practised this.
“We are not like some parties where once the top leadership speaks, everyone below must simply follow and obey,” he said during a press conference at the 2025 Umno General Assembly on Saturday.
Asyraf stressed that Umno remains a deeply democratic party, from its branches and divisions to its wings and annual general assembly.
Responding to questions regarding Dr Akmal’s outspoken approach, he said that youth voices remain vital, provided they do not contradict official party decisions or formal positions.
However, Asyraf also advised Dr Akmal to avoid acting on impulse, urging him to uphold his responsibilities as Umno Youth Chief, a position elected by party members and entrusted with representing the youth wing’s interests.
“As long as he remains the Umno Youth chief, I do not see major issues at the grassroots level.
“What we do not want is a party that becomes fragmented,” he added.
He pointed out that while the youth wing has its own space to express views, the party’s ultimate policy direction and decisions rest with the Supreme Council and the Umno General Assembly, as stipulated in the party constitution.