UMNO Rejects Mahathir's Overtures: Past Ban Attempts Cast Long Shadow

UMNO Rejects Mahathir's Invitation Amidst Concerns of Past Crackdowns Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – June 6, 2025 – UMNO Youth chief, Datuk Dr. Mohamad Akmal Saleh, firmly rejected an invitation from former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to join a new political movement. This decision stems from UMNO's recollection of past attempts to ban the party, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the issue. "UMNO appreciates the invitation, but we cannot forget that this same individual previously tried to ban our party," stated Datuk Dr. Mohamad Akmal Saleh during a press conference. His comments underscored the deep-seated concerns within UMNO regarding the motives behind the proposed new movement. Tun Dr. Mahathir, in a separate statement, clarified that he was not formally inviting UMNO as a party, but rather individual members. However, his call to unite Malay political forces has been met with skepticism within UMNO, given its history with the former Prime Minister. The video footage shows Datuk Dr. Mohamad Akmal Saleh's passionate speech, emphasizing the need for genuine unity based on religious and national interests, not personal political gain. His words highlight the ongoing political tensions and the complexities of inter-party relations in Malaysia's political landscape. The situation remains fluid, with UMNO's stance likely to influence the trajectory of the new political movement.