00:00UMNO Youth Chief Dr. Akmal Saleh has been given a reduced role in the Makota by-election
00:07to help the party capture more Chinese votes.
00:10Speaking on condition of anonymity, an UMNO leader said Akmal would have a limited role
00:16in the by-election despite the party's candidate, Syed Hussein Syed Abdullah, coming
00:21from the youth wing.
00:22He said this was because UMNO acknowledged the importance of ensuring that all Makota
00:27voters felt represented and respected.
00:30He added that Chinese voters will play a crucial role in this by-election and the party is
00:36working hard to ensure a strong turnout from them as their support is essential for the
00:41party to succeed.
00:42Akmal has been outspoken over a range of issues since the formation of the unity government,
00:48including the proposal to make emergency-era new villages a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
00:53KK Mart's sale of socks bearing the word Allah, and vernacular schools.
00:58His most recent outburst was over the mandatory halal certification issue, in which he slammed
01:03DAP MP Teresa Kok for opposing the proposal and warned her against speaking on matters
01:09concerning Islam.
01:11Pandits warned UMNO that Akmal's tirade could cost the party in Makota, where Chinese
01:16voters make up about 35% of the electorate.
01:20Natasha Bust, FMT News.
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