KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Saturday came to the defence of Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, using a father–son metaphor to highlight that internal dissent within the party should not be mistaken for disloyalty.
In his winding-up speech at the Umno General Assembly (PAU) 2025, Zahid said that Dr Akmal’s outspoken approach did not diminish his standing within the party, but instead reflected the space given to youth leaders to express themselves.
“When Akmal quarrels or speaks out, have I ever stopped him? Have I ever punished him?
“Does that mean a father does not love a naughty child? He still loves him,” Zahid said.
Zahid pointed out that despite Dr Akmal’s combative style, the Umno Youth chief has continued to receive the party leadership’s support, including approval for youth-led initiatives.
“When Akmal wanted youth involvement in by-elections, it was given to the Youth wing. When he wanted to organise a youth convention, I allowed it,” Zahid said.
He said this demonstrated that the party leadership remained open to differing views, particularly from younger leaders, as long as they were channelled within the party framework.
Extending the metaphor, Zahid said a child who is outspoken is often judged more harshly than one who is well-behaved, even though both are shaped by the same upbringing.
“If a child behaves well, people will say, ‘Whose child is that? He must be like his father.’ But if the child is naughty, people will ask, ‘Whose father is that?’” he said, drawing laughter and applause from delegates.
Zahid also reminded Dr Akmal to learn from his own past experiences, cautioning the Youth chief against repeating mistakes made by earlier leaders.
“Akmal is fortunate he was not detained under the Internal Security Act. I was.
“Do not step on the same banana peel that I once did,” Zahid added, referring to the political pitfalls he had faced.
Earlier, Dr Akmal in his winding-up speech dismissed claims that he was not aligned with the party leadership, reiterating that his criticism stems from loyalty rather than rebellion.
“Some say I am not in line with the President, but in truth, the ‘naughtiest’ child is often the one who loves his father the most,” he said.