16/01/2026

FRIDAY | JAN 16, 2026

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Tamil schools face enrolment decline KUALA LUMPUR: MIC deputy president M. Saravanan has raised serious concerns over the declining enrolment in Tamil primary schools across Malaysia. He pointed out that student numbers were falling despite strong academic track record in the schools. He cited the latest figures showing that only 10,330 students enrolled in Year One at Tamil schools nationwide this year, a significant drop of 691 students from the previous year’s intake of 11,021. The Tapah MP urged Tamil-based NGOs, parent-teacher associations, alumni groups, school management boards and community leaders to play a proactive role. “Tamil schools are the bedrock of our Malaysian Indian community’s identity and progress. “MIC remains committed to defending and advancing these institutions but we cannot do it alone. “We must move from a mindset of ‘maintenance mode’ to ‘strategic advocacy’,” he said in a statement. Saravanan underscored the critical influence of parental choices on enrolment patterns. “I urge parents to recognise the long term value of Tamil education and to actively support these schools by enrolling their children in them,” said Saravanan. “This is not just about numbers. It’s about preserving our language, culture and community strength. “The future of Tamil schools depends on our collective will to act.” – Bernama “It means he has taken the right action. I believe the grassroots will understand the message Akmal intended to convey.” – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee Akmal praised as man of principle KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth delegates believe that the decision by their chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh to resign as a Malacca executive councillor (exco) shows that he is a man of principle, and not merely one who talks without action. Pasir Gudang division delegate Mohd Salehuddin Abdul said Muhamad Akmal has proven that he does not value positions but the interests of the party and the country. “Akmal has shown that he is a dignified Umno leader and that every action he takes is for the future of religion, race and the party. “We at the grassroots will continue to support Akmal. His decision appears to be a message to Malaysians that he is not all talk and that he dares to respond to DAP’s call for him to relinquish his position in the government.” He also urged Umno and Barisan Nasional coalition partners not to interfere in Umno’s internal affairs. “Mind your own business and don’t interfere in the affairs of others. To Akmal, congratulations. You have shown that you are the best Umno Youth chief,” he told theSun yesterday. Another delegate, Muhammed Mubien Khairudin from the Hang Tuah Jaya division, echoed the same sentiments, saying that Akmal has proven himself to be a leader with dignity. “Of course, as Youth members, we have all heard his policy speech earlier, which was clear. We fully agree with our Youth chief. DAP has challenged us more than once. We have been patient for three years and today, Akmal has resigned as a Malacca exco, showing true strength. He added that by resigning, Akmal was asking: “If I can do it, why can’t you?”

Umno Youth chief resigns as Malacca exco

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Decision announced during policy speech at general assembly, to take effect next week

government, I will wait for the official resignation letter before considering whether to accept or reject it. “This will be subject to further discussions,” he said, adding that he respected Muhamad Akmal’s decision. He said the Umno Youth chief had acted in line with the spirit of the youth wing. Ab Rauf also said the state government would review and assess the appropriate approach to manage the issue in the near future.

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh yesterday announced his resignation as a Malacca executive councillor (exco). He made the announcement while delivering his policy speech as Youth chief at the 2025 Umno Youth General Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. Muhamad Akmal said his resignation would take effect next week.

after discussions with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Ab Rauf. When met outside Dewan Merdeka following Muhamad Akmal’s announcement, Ab Rauf said he acknowledged his intention to step down from his position. “As the head of the state

The was witnessed by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. Muhamad Akmal said while he is resigning from his exco post, he would never abandon Umno Youth. “I hereby apologise. However, I will never leave Umno Youth.” He said the decision was made announcement

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan speaking at the assembly yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

‘Convey genuine views of grassroots without fear’ KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh called on delegates not to be afraid to voice the genuine views of the grassroots. In his policy speech at the 2025 Umno Youth General Assembly, he said the gathering is the highest platform within the party to express views honestly, courteously and openly, in line with the party’s constitution and rules. themselves are to criticise others. He said differences of opinion are not a problem but a form of strength if managed maturely. Muhamad A kmal stressed that Umno Youth’s struggle is not for short-term comfort but to ensure that the party’s cause remains alive in the future. hardship, living alongside the people, and that is why we understand their struggles.” Commenting on Umno Youth’s performance, Akmal said successes in several by-elections prove that the Youth wing is not merely about rhetoric but capable of delivering victories on the ground.

upholding principles, including on issues involving religion and Malay dignity, despite facing political pressure. “People judge us based on principles. When we stand by our principles, they will eventually return to support us.” He said Umno Youth is now gearing up for the 16th general election with the clear aim of securing a strong victory and providing a structured and clear political pathway for the party’s younger generation. “Those who came today are not wealthy people. “Some work as food delivery riders, some drive Grab, some had to take unpaid leave. We came because we love the party and we want to save Umno.” – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

He cited Barisan Nasional’s resounding victory in the Nenggiri by-election in Kelantan last year with a majority of nearly 3,000 votes as well as increased support among young voters in the Air Kuning state by-election in Perak in 2024, which he said were the result of hard work by Umno Youth machinery. “We answer doubts not with empty talk but with results at the ballot box.” Muhamad A kmal also spoke on Umno Youth’s firm stance in

“We are not fighting for ourselves. We are fighting for future generations, for our children. This is not an easy path but it is the right path to restore Umno’s dignity.” He added that the majority of the current Umno Youth leadership comes from humble, working-class backgrounds and grew up facing hardship, allowing them to understand the pulse of the grassroots. “We did not come in BMWs or luxury cars. We came from alleys of

“If the grassroots feel they are uncomfortable with being in the government, then voice it in this hall. Do not be afraid. If you are comfortable, say that you are comfortable and explain why. We do not want to be the hand that destroys Umno but the hand that saves the party.” Muhamad A kmal said Umno Youth members must be brave enough to accept criticism if they