Is Zahid Sending Wrong Signal By Recognising Umno Youth As Fortress When The Nation S Dignity Is Being Challenged

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SUCH is the lingering question after UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi penned in his UMNO Youth 76th anniversary message that the movement “has been a bulwark when the party is being oppressed, the loudest voice when the nation’s dignity is being challenged and the most powerful force when the people need defence”.
Amid the UMNO-DAP Jalur Gemilang row which has threatened to rock cordiality within the Madani government, one wonders if the spirited acknowledgment may only embolden the party’s rightist youth general Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh to further solidify his posture as the nation’s ultimate defender of race and religion.

Instead of calling upon the party’s youth wing “to mellow down a little” – or even to abstain from fanning flames of intolerance – one cannot help being concerned that Zahid’s so-called words of wisdom maybe misinterpreted as “green light” for Akmal & Co to take matters into own hands even at the expense of racial/religious harmony.
“The challenge facing UMNO Youth today is more complex. Our opponents are not just political parties but social media algorithms, manipulated perceptions and post-truth politics that elevate sentiment over fact,” penned Zahid who is also the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) in his message.
“UMNO Youth can no longer be just a cheerleader. It must be a game changer and a narrative engine to build discourse, shape influence and control mass psychology.”
Regardless of his allegiance to the Madani administration and the need to curtail UMNO Youth from splitting unity within the party as evident from the rift between Akmal and the party’s supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, Zahid nevertheless has to give in to the Merlimau state assemblyman’s charm and charisma.

Like it or not, the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman has Akmal to thank for his crowd-puller ability which goes beyond the Gen Z and Alpha but also to divert attention away from the “No Anwar. No DAP/ No Bersatu” stance that has infuriated the UMNO grassroots.
“Different views within the party are normal; criticism may be a sign of weakness but the main focus is on how UMNO Youth can approach Gen Z and Alpha so that they feel that UMNO understands and embraces their wishes and be their sanctuary,” reminded Zahid in his anniversary message.
“May this 76th anniversary be a catalyst for UMNO Youth to strengthen its ranks, expand influence and chart greater success for UMNO and our beloved Malaysia.” –   Focus Malaysia

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