Dr Akmal Warns Malaysiakini Against Repeating Social Media Mistake After Editor Apologises to UMNO Leaders

The Malaysiakini editor reportedly met UMNO leaders during the party’s annual general meeting to apologise for a recent social media misstep involving an image of pigs paired with a headline referencing UMNO. Although the post had been taken down, Akmal had earlier given the news portal 24 hours, via a social media post on Wednesday night (14 January), to attend the UMNO General Assembly (PAU) and issue a public apology.

UMNO secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki was also present during the apology.

According to Akmal, Ahmad Zahid firmly expressed the party’s deep disappointment over the incident, with Anand apologising and assuring that such a mistake would not happen again.

While accepting Anand’s apology and expressing appreciation for his visit, Akmal cautioned that their decision to be “lenient” on this occasion should not be taken as a sign that the party could be taken advantage of in the future. He also warned Malaysiakini of the consequences should history repeat itself.

“I thank you for coming over to apologise for the matter,” Akmal said in his video.

“But if it happens again in the future, we will not forgive you.”

During PAU 2026, Akmal also announced his resignation as Malacca Exco, effective next week, although no specific date was given. He said he would remain as UMNO Youth chief, adding that he was stepping down from the state Exco position to continue his fight against DAP.