Akmal urged BN’s new generation of members and supporters to lead the charge on transformation efforts to ensure the coalition remains relevant in the future.

“We can’t afford to wait any longer. Change starts within ourselves. This is our era, and we will shape it our way,” he said at BN’s 50th anniversary celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.

He also emphasised the importance of unity and resilience within BN, comparing its members to a family.

“In BN, we are not just friends, we are family. Friends come and go, but family stays through thick and thin,” he said, urging the younger generation to work together in driving the coalition forward.

Akmal acknowledged that BN’s support from youths has faltered in recent years, with some saying the coalition is “no longer the youths’ choice”, especially in previous state elections.

However, he noted a resurgence in support for BN, particularly during the Nenggiri and Mahkota state by-elections in Kelantan and Johor, respectively, where BN’s young candidates emerged victorious.

“What does that mean? It means that if we have strong willpower, we can regain the confidence of the people in us,” he said, expressing optimism about the party’s ability to rebuild its appeal among younger voters.

He called on BN Youth to embrace this responsibility, asserting that the future of the party depends on their vigour and vision.