From left: Hilman and Akmal Zahin.
PETALING JAYA: The fight for Bersatu Youth (Armada) chief’s post is heating up as two members from different camps are vying for it.
The two contestants are Hilman Idham, 35, who is a two-term Gombak Setia state assemblyman, while Akmal Zahin Zainal Zahir, 30, is the incumbent Armada permanent chairman.
Hilman is known to be a supporter of Selangor Bersatu chief Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, having been with him since 2011.
Businessman Akmal Zahin is popular among Bersatu members as he is seen as a proxy of the party’s founders. He also has the endorsement of former Armada chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
When contacted, Hilman said his main concern is strengthening Bersatu’s election machinery to be on par with the strength of PAS Youth.
“There is the need to solidify the structure of the Perikatan Nasional Youth movement, where alignment of roles and actions must be implemented immediately. Perikatan Youth must operate as a single cohesive entity.
“Armada is responsible for collaborating with PAS Youth in all political movements and championing issues that matter to the people. The Perikatan Youth must be more visible on the ground collectively.
“Armada must quickly define the work culture that will be central to its strength in garnering support from the public, especially among the youth,” said Hilman.
Meanwhile, Akmal Zahin believes he is the better candidate due to his vast experience as the incumbent Armada permanent chairman.
He wants to bring a fresh direction to Bersatu Youth and the movement must adapt and be more responsive to the latest challenges affecting the country’s youths, such as job opportunities.
“I have been with Armada since its inception. What makes Armada unique is its DNA, which remains distinct even though some members come from various political backgrounds. The secret to our success in producing new young leaders in Parliament and state assemblies lies in this unique DNA,” said Akmal Zahin.
The Bersatu party polls are being closely watched after Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin retained his Bersatu president post while the party’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin won uncontested in the fight for the party’s two highest positions for the 2024 to 2027 term.
Separately, PAS Youth issued a warning to Bersatu Youth, who is its partner in Perikatan Nasional Youth, not to use the Islamist party’s name as campaign fodder in Bersatu polls.
In a statement, PAS Youth information chief Nadzir Helmi said PAS has never interfered in any internal matters of the youth wings of other Perikatan parties.
“We are not involved in any campaigning going on in other Perikatan parties as each party takes care of its own affairs.
“I remind everyone not to abuse the PAS name as part of your political campaign material,” he added.
