KUALA LUMPUR – Umno veterans are calling for an end to the public spat between Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh and former Malaysian Ambassador to the United States, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, warning that it serves no benefit to the party.
Speaking to Scoop, Umno Veteran Secretary Datuk Mustapha Yaakub said the disagreement, stemming from a misunderstanding, should not be prolonged.
He added that Umno Veterans are willing to mediate and reconcile both parties, who are both from Umno Youth.
He said most leaders who emerged from Umno Youth are outspoken in championing the cause of Malays and Islam.
“Nazri is a product of Umno Youth, known for his outspokenness. Akmal inherited the leadership of Umno Youth during Nazri’s time.
“The disagreement may be due to a misunderstanding, so let’s stop it. We should reprimand and advise them not to prolong this as it doesn’t benefit the party.
“We also don’t want the bickering among members to continue and become a focal point. This small matter can be resolved; Insya-Allah, they can and will reconcile,” he told Scoop when contacted today.
Previously, Nazri criticized Akmal for being childish and having a low mentality.
Nazri made the remarks in response to Akmal’s harsh criticism, calling him a ‘sycophant’ following Nazri’s statement that no one is qualified to be Prime Minister if Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not in the picture.
However, on Monday, Akmal, who is also an Executive Council member of the Melaka state government, said he obtained his position not by flattering any leader but through the mandate of the people.
“So I was appointed by the people, not by flattering leaders. Therefore, I want to correct Datuk Seri’s statement, that Datuk Seri is actually flattering for personal gain, not for anyone else,” he said.
Meanwhile, Umno Padang Rengas Deputy Chief Datuk Mohd Ariff Abdul Majid said differences of opinion within an organization are normal.
“However, we need to prevent it from escalating into a dispute that can damage our harmony.
“Party members and the public are always watching our every move, so we need to be careful not to cause dissatisfaction and disgust among them with our actions,” he said.
He added that Nazri’s statement is considered a personal opinion and does not represent the views of Umno Padang Rengas as a whole. – February 26, 2025