Ahmad Zahid urges focus on nation-building despite overseas cynicism

The Star

18-07-2025

WELLINGTON: Leaders of the Madani administration should disregard cynicism and concentrate on nation-building during their overseas engagements, urged Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ( pic ).
He stated that such scepticism often originates from opponents of the government's efforts, even when those efforts are beneficial to the nation.
"If it's something good, ask your friends. But if it's something questionable, ask your enemies. It doesn't matter how good our deeds are; they will still find fault," he remarked at a press conference on Friday (July 18).
Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that cynicism has become a "daily staple" for the opposition, particularly when leaders travel abroad to enhance bilateral ties and trade.
"They will be cynical whether the official assignment abroad involves ministers, the deputy prime minister, or the prime minister. The important thing in these official visits is the knowledge, experience, and exposure gained in new sectors that may not yet exist in our country. These are opportunities that we can explore," he said.
He criticised certain opposition leaders for using religion or alleged moral superiority to attack the government's positive efforts.
"Cynicism borne out of such attitudes is dangerous, especially when cloaked in the guise of religious credibility," he added.
Ahmad Zahid was responding to criticism of his five-day working visit to New Zealand to bolster bilateral and trade ties.
Among the initiatives were efforts to learn from the Maori in New Zealand about managing cultural and economic affairs, including land rights. This follows proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), which is set for significant updates after 71 years.
He assured that all 377 Orang Asli leaders would be consulted for feedback on the proposed amendments, likely to be tabled in Parliament next March. This includes input from related NGOs, Orang Asli professionals, and academics.
Ahmad Zahid described his visit as successful in strengthening bilateral and trade relations with New Zealand. Notably, New Zealand has agreed to join the Asean Halal Council as an associated member during the Asean Summit in October.
Additionally, New Zealand companies with halal certification are invited to use Malaysia as a halal distribution hub for Asean and the surrounding region.
Letters of intent were signed with seven universities in New Zealand to offer twinning programmes with two local Malaysian universities.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will also be inked between New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) and Malaysia's Central Disaster Management Committee (Nadma) to enhance disaster management cooperation.
Ahmad Zahid's working visit to New Zealand took place from July 14 to July 18. The last high-ranking visit to New Zealand was by former Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, from March 30 to April 1, 2005, aimed at boosting economic links between Malaysia and New Zealand.