Akmal willing to give up Merlimau seat if court case hurts Umno

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh is willing to give up defending his Merlimau state seat in the Melaka election if his ongoing court case becomes a liability to Umno's electoral prospects.

The Umno Youth chief said he had openly conveyed his position to the party president, adding that the party's chances of winning and its ability to serve the people must take precedence over his personal ambition.

"If these cases could tarnish the party's name, I have told the president that I am willing not to contest if I am seen as a burden to the party's chances of winning," he told reporters at the Bukit Mertajam magistrate's court.

On Aug 22 last year, Dr Akmal, 38, claimed trial to a charge of making a statement on Facebook that allegedly caused public fear.

The charge was framed under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Earlier today, the court was informed that the prosecution had rejected Dr Akmal's representation to drop the case.

Dr Akmal said Umno had entrusted him with defending the N27 Merlimau seat. However, he said the final decision would only be confirmed during the candidate nomination process.

"The party has given me the confidence to defend N27. But as long as nomination day has not arrived, anything can happen," he said.

He added that he would willingly make way for another candidate if the party believed that person was better suited to contest the seat.

"If there is someone better who can win for the party, I am willing not to contest," he said.

Asked whether the court proceedings had affected his preparations for the state election, Dr Akmal said the case had not significantly disrupted his focus despite the uncertainty.

He said he had been mentally prepared for the past year and would respect the court's decisions while going through the legal process with discipline.

Dr Akmal expressed hope that the case could be resolved early next year, maintaining that it had not derailed his overall election preparations.

"For me, this election is not about Akmal Saleh. It is about how we win and how we serve the people," he said.