With the Melaka State Election (PRN) just around the corner, UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh has expressed his willingness to sit out the upcoming election.
He said he is prepared to step aside from defending the Merlimau state seat on 14 November if his ongoing court case could affect UMNO and Barisan Nasional’s (BN) chances of winning.
Akmal Saleh willing to sit out Melaka State Election to avoid affecting party’s winning chances
Akmal is currently facing a charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code over a Facebook statement allegedly likely to cause public alarm. If convicted, he could face up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. He pleaded not guilty to the charge on 22 August last year.
Earlier today (26 October), Harian Metro reported that the prosecution had rejected his representation to have the case dropped.
According to Berita Harian, Akmal had openly expressed his willingness to step aside to BN Chairman and UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He stressed that the party’s chances of winning and its ability to serve the people should come before his personal ambitions.
He said UMNO had entrusted him with defending the Merlimau state seat, but he stressed that he would not hesitate to step aside if his ongoing court case could affect the party’s chances of winning.
“I am willing not to contest if I am seen as a burden”
Akmal added that he was also willing to make way for another candidate if the party believed someone else would have a better chance of securing a win.
“If this case could tarnish the party’s reputation, I have been upfront with the UMNO president that I am willing not to contest if I am seen as a burden to the party’s chances of winning.
“If there is someone else who is better suited and capable of securing a win for the party, I am willing not to contest,” he said.
However, Akmal noted that UMNO had placed its trust in him to defend the N27 Merlimau state seat, and the final decision would only be known on nomination day.
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