Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh continues to hold his position as Melaka state executive councillor for Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security, despite tendering his resignation, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said today.
Ab Rauf explained that no final decision has been reached on the Merlimau assemblyman’s resignation as the matter has yet to be brought to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri for consideration. Until that consultation takes place, Dr Akmal remains a member of the state executive council (Exco).
“I have not met Tun Mohd Ali to discuss this, so at this point, there is no conclusion,” he told reporters. “Whether the resignation will be accepted or otherwise has not been decided, and as of today he is still performing his duties as an Exco member.”
The chief minister was speaking after attending the Melaka State Executive Council Day with the People Programme (Hebat) Series 1/2026 at the Seri Negeri Complex in Melaka. The event, he said, underscored the importance of continuity in governance, particularly for portfolios that directly affect rural livelihoods and food security.
Ab Rauf added that administrative processes involving state appointments must follow established constitutional procedures, including consultation with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, to ensure stability within the state government. Such steps, he noted, are essential to prevent uncertainty from affecting ongoing development programmes.
Dr Akmal had earlier announced his intention to step down from the Melaka Exco following a public disagreement within Umno, after party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi rejected his call for the party to withdraw from the Unity Government. The episode has drawn attention to internal party dynamics and their potential spillover into state-level administration.
Meanwhile, Ab Rauf stressed that the Melaka government remains focused on delivering services and maintaining policy momentum, regardless of political differences. “The priority is the people. Governance must continue while due process takes its course,” he said.
Dr Akmal’s position will only be formally vacated if his resignation is accepted by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Mohd Ali Rustam, following advice from the chief minister. Until then, the status quo remains, Ab Rauf reiterated.
