Zahid to visit New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre
WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is scheduled to visit New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre on Thursday (July 17) to observe the country's disaster and crisis response framework.
Located in the Beehive Bunker beneath New Zealand's Parliament, the visit forms part of the fourth day of his official working trip to the country, in line with his responsibilities as Chairman of Malaysia's Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP).
The visit aims to gain insights into New Zealand's emergency response systems, inter-agency coordination, and post-disaster recovery strategies - areas for which the country is widely recognised for its preparedness and transparency.
Ahmad Zahid is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, to explore potential cooperation in food security and strategic supply chains.
Later in the day, he will attend a community engagement session with Malaysians in Wellington, where over 250 citizens residing in the country are expected to participate.
The Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to conclude his working visit and return to Kuala Lumpur on Friday (July 18).
Since arriving in Auckland on Monday (July 14), he has met with local industry leaders and business groups, including the ASEAN-New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC).
On the second day, he travelled to Rotorua for the Māori Business Roundtable, aimed at strengthening collaboration in indigenous and social development initiatives.
On the third day, he was in the capital for meetings with senior New Zealand government officials at the Beehive, as part of ongoing efforts to further enhance Malaysia-New Zealand bilateral relations. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
28 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Analysts: Opposition rally more about election messaging than toppling PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Political analysts said the Turun Anwar protest appeared like an attempt to sway public sentiment, acting as groundwork for election messaging rather than a realistic attempt to force Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's resignation. "The rally appeared more like a calculated effort by opposition leaders to sway public sentiment, spotlight government failures, and lay groundwork for election messaging, rather than a realistic attempt to force Anwar's resignation via legislative means. "While the rhetoric was about demanding Anwar's resignation, the opposition seems to lack parliamentary strength for a legitimate no‑confidence motion," University Malaya political analyst Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said. He added that with a lack of parliamentary motion, resignations, and Anwar remaining in office, the rally didn't produce institutional or leadership change. Meanwhile, Sunway University political scientist Professor Wong Chin Huat said that the rally was an attempt for Perikatan Nasional (PN) to remain relevant. "So, if Anwar steps down and a new government is formed with most of the existing Madani parliamentarians, the new government is likely to continue most of Madani's policies PN condemns. PN knows this. "PN needs this protest just to stay relevant – its momentum is residing whenever the prospect of regime change appears dim. "And of course, Hamzah's supporters are pushing for his own rise by testing the water with 'Naik Hamzah' (opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin) placards," Wong said. However, while PN hoped to capitalise on the discontent over institutional reforms and democratic backsliding, Wong said, other than Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) which sent a representative to participate, no other party or NGO which represented the liberal-minority constituency played along with PN. He added that the rally was an attempt to push a narrative that Anwar has lost the Malays' support, and Umno, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and others would leave the government. To Wong, the rally was a failure compared to the 2018 Anti-ICERD Rally, which saw a turnout over 50,000. Nonetheless, it seemed to have relative successes. The organisers' claim that the turnout would be higher than yesterday's 18,000 people, successfully drew national and regional media attention to the event, Awang Azman said. The media previously reported that Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin claimed that the turnout would reach a million. "Media traction and policy responses were gained, but there was no toppling of leadership, and turnout was modest enough for the unity government to claim democratic legitimacy," the analyst said. The professor also said that ahead of the rally, the prime minister's announcement of RM100 cash aid for all Malaysians and slashing Ron95 petrol prices to RM1.99/litre, was deemed as a catalysed government response to the rally. "It's widely interpreted as an effort to defuse public anger and dampen turnout. "The administration's decision to respond with targeted aid and fuel price relief reflects a willingness to listen and adapt which indicates responsiveness rather than confrontation," Awang Azman said.
The Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Sun
More Malaysians to benefit from Rahmah Sales with RM300m boost
RAUB: The MADANI Rahmah Sales programme will reach more Malaysians, including rural communities, following an additional RM300 million allocation. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the expanded funding ensures wider implementation across urban, suburban, and rural areas. 'The programme focuses on high-density urban and suburban areas, without neglecting rural areas identified according to each State Legislative Assembly,' he said after officiating the Raub UMNO divisional meeting. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously announced the allocation doubling to RM600 million this year. The initiative, launched in January 2023, offers daily necessities at 10 to 30 per cent discounts to alleviate living costs. Anwar noted the increased funding allows more frequent sales across all 600 state constituencies. Ahmad Zahid urged eligible groups to take advantage of the discounted prices. – Bernama
Focus Malaysia
28 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
Anwar puzzled by calls to extend RON95 price cut to foreigners
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended the government's decision to exclude foreigners from enjoying the subsidised RON95 petrol price of RM1.99 per litre, stressing that the subsidy is meant exclusively for Malaysians. Speaking at the launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2025 campaign, Anwar said, 'This is not discrimination, but the policy of a sovereign nation prioritising its people.' Foreigners and tourists, including those from Singapore, will pay the market rate of RM2.50 to RM2.60 per litre. He also questioned opposition claims that foreigners contribute to the national economy, asking, 'In what part of the world are foreigners treated the same as citizens?' Anwar added that the targeted subsidy approach is expected to reduce government spending that was previously extended to non-taxpaying foreign nationals. Despite criticism over the six-sen reduction, he emphasised it was a carefully considered move aligned with the MADANI government's commitment to social justice. —July 27, 2025 Main image: Sinar Daily
