He said there have been calls to remove Umno leaders from government recently, citing demands by DAP Youth targeting foreign minister Mohamad Hasan, who is also the Rantau assemblyman, following the crisis in Negeri Sembilan.

According to Akmal, Selangor PKR election director N Sathia Prakash had also suggested that Sungai Air Tawar assemblyman Rizam Ismail be removed from his post as a state executive councillor.

He said such statements gave the impression that Umno could be pressured.

“If they are truly brave, don’t just pick one or two – sack all Umno ministers, deputies and exco members.

“Umno may lose positions and face pressure from both friends and foes, but it will never allow its principles to be compromised,” he said at Umno’s 80th anniversary convention at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

‘Rain Rave’ festival

Akmal praised Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for speaking out against the Rain Rave Water Music Festival in Bukit Bintang.

He said Zahid’s stance showed that Umno would continue to speak up when the party’s “red lines” were crossed.

“Regardless of who we are aligned with, when our principles are violated, our dignity challenged, and our red lines crossed, Umno will stand firm and fight,” he said.