Pusat KOMAS strongly condemns UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr. Akmal Salleh’s recent vow to “fight DAP to the very end” during his speech at UMNO Youth General Assembly yesterday. This statement is a blatant political posturing that inevitably casts Malaysia’s non-Malay communities as targets. By framing his resignation as Melaka state executive councillor (EXCO) but staying as UMNO Youth Chief citing the decision was made after discussion with the party higher-ups, Datuk Dr. Akmal is essentially rallying anti-Chinese and other minority sentiment under the guise of “grassroots” loyalty. Such rhetoric implicitly mobilises ethnic animosities for political gain.
In addition, UMNO is currently a component party of the MADANI government, and as part of a governing coalition, UMNO should be acting as a partner committed to cooperation, consensus building and multiracial governance, not positioning fellow coalition parties as enemies to be “fought” indefinitely.
Incidentally, our 2023 and 2024 Racism Reports shows that Datuk Dr. Akmal has a track record of inflammatory and hateful remarks: in a prior case he hurled racist insults towards a Chinese-DAP parliamentarian, alongside multiple remarks against members of minority communities. Pusat KOMAS therefore calls on the UMNO leadership to take responsibility and hold its Youth Chief accountable for his reckless and repeated mischievous rhetoric.
This country needs leadership that unites, not divides. Pusat KOMAS urges all parties to refrain from divisive rhetoric and instead come together to engage in constructive dialogue about what is needed for Malaysia. Scapegoating any political party or ethnicity is incompatible with democratic values.
Youth leadership should imbue fresh and empowering perspectives to challenge the old school politics but not show itself to be sinking in Malaysia’s ever-old favourite race mud-slinging to win political points. We call on all UMNO Youth to have a refreshed mindset for a world where racism is replaced by a Malaysia for all. Only when a political party can truly stand for all, then only deserves the support of all Malaysians.
Pusat KOMAS reaffirms its commitment to a Malaysia that celebrates diversity and upholds justice and equality. We call on all Malaysians to reject divisive narratives and work towards a more inclusive and cohesive society. We will continue to advocate for an inclusive, democratic Malaysia where leaders compete on ideas and policies, not by stirring ethnic fear with identity politics.
Prepared by
Pusat KOMAS