Instead, Akmal said, his loyalty lies solely with Umno, describing himself as “ABU” – “Aku Budak Umno” (I am Umno’s man).

“Recently, a PAS leader came to Melaka – let me be direct, it was the Kedah menteri besar – and labelled me a ‘pawn’ of Zahid.

“I am not Zahid’s pawn, not Tok Mat’s pawn, not KJ’s pawn. I am ABU – then, now and forever. Checkmate!” he said at the Umno 80th anniversary convention at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor had labelled the Merlimau assemblyman Zahid’s pawn during a political speech in Melaka on April 26.

Sanusi had claimed that while Akmal was outspoken in criticising DAP, he was in reality merely playing a role determined by the party leadership.

Akmal also defended Zahid’s leadership, saying the Umno president has given space and trust to younger members in the party.

He said many leaders speak about the importance of youth, but not all are willing to grant them real freedom and responsibility.

“Our president understands this because he himself rose through the Youth wing. It’s not a place to remain silent.

“It is where we learn to be bold, to challenge, to stay loyal, and to carry responsibility,” he said.

Akmal said Umno still has a future with young people if it adapts its approach, including how it communicates, engages the public, and addresses the concerns of a new generation.

He stressed that while Umno’s core principles of defending religion, race and the nation must remain unchanged, its methods must evolve with the times.

“We cannot use 1980s approaches to speak to the TikTok generation. Modern anxieties demand a new vocabulary,” he said.