KUALA LUMPUR: Unlike its Wanita and Puteri comrades, Umno Youth has decided not to invite other political parties, including DAP, to its assembly today to focus on their issues internally.

Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said it is important for the movement to resolve problems among themselves first without having to mince their words.

"It's not that we don't want to be together (with other parties), but I believe that this assembly, being the first after the formation of the unity government, should be a platform for us to resolve things among our siblings.

"I realise that our siblings are still confused and dissatisfied with the current political developments.

"So this is our chance to express openly and resolve. This is our house, let us sort out things among ourselves," he said in his policy speech at the Umno Youth conference this morning.

DAP members made an appearance at the Wanita Umno and Puteri Umno delegates' conference this morning.

The party's national publicity secretary Teo Nie Ching and Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin were sitting in the front row during the Wanita delegates' conference at Dewan Merdeka of the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre.

DAP lawmaker Young Syefura Othman also attended the Puteri wing's meeting.

In his speech, Dr Muhamad Akmal said the grassroots are "worried" that joining hands with DAP will result in Umno not being able to defend its struggles.

These include defending the royal institution, Islam and the rights of the Malays.

"They are afraid that when Umno cooperates with DAP, Umno has to bow down to DAP.

"Today, Umno Youth wants to stress that we are in the unity government because of the King's decree, and for the stability of our country.

"We are together in the government today to share room for administration, but not ideologies.

"Umno will not be DAP and we are not asking DAP to be Umno," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/06/917778/umno-youth-delegates-need-express-openly-and-resolve-issues-internally