Latest news with #Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Malay Mail
18 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Cabinet backs 13MP blueprint, hails focus on jobs, rural uplift
KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Cabinet ministers today expressed support for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described it as a timely and comprehensive blueprint to address Malaysia's current economic challenges. 'I am particularly drawn to the second policy focus of the 13MP, which emphasises economic empowerment through value creation driven by digitalisation and advanced technologies such as AI. 'This approach includes promoting high growth, high value industries and strategic sectors to ensure that the nation's economic growth is not only sustainable but also inclusive and fair,' he said in a press conference at Parliament's lobby here. He highlighted the plan's strong focus on rural development, Bumiputera empowerment and disaster preparedness. Zahid also praised initiatives to strengthen TVET and digitalisation, which he said would drive inclusive, high-value growth. Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof described it as a vital roadmap to steer the country towards a more sustainable, resilient, and forward-looking future. 'With a strong emphasis on energy transition and water sector transformation as its core pillars, the 13MP outlines a strategic direction for national development over the next five years,' he said. He welcomed the plan's focus on energy transition and water sector transformation, aligning with Malaysia's carbon neutrality goals. Fadillah, who also oversees Sabah and Sarawak affairs, said the socio-economic initiatives outlined for both states would help bridge development gaps. He added that the plan positions Malaysia to lead the region in green economy and future technologies. Finance Minister II and Acting Economy Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the 13MP sets the right foundation to realise the Madani economy's aspirations, aiming for not just development but shared prosperity for the people. He said the plan outlines a comprehensive approach to reshape the economy and uplift the rakyat's dignity through inclusive growth. Amir Hamzah also called for boldness in adopting new strategies to expand the economy and create better job opportunities. 'We must be bold in charting a new path to expand our economy, so that the opportunities created translate into better jobs and a higher quality of life for our people,' he said. He added that the plan marks a crucial step towards building a more resilient and people-centred future. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the 13MP is a direct continuation of the government's Madani vision, charting the nation's path from 2026 to 2030 through a comprehensive economic framework. He said the plan covers all key dimensions, from economic sustainability and environmental stewardship to good governance and public wellbeing. Fahmi highlighted the plan's core aim to 'raise the ceiling, raise the floor, and strengthen the pillars' in reference to boosting national income, improving people's livelihoods and reinforcing governance. He said over 40 key policies and more than 85 laws are embedded in the plan's framework. 'We're raising the ceiling. We want to raise the floor as well. But it's the pillars, our governance and the reforms we bring, that will make all this possible,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Umno must act on principle even if unpopular, says Zahid
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called for party members to take BN's failure to form the government in the past two general elections as a lesson and turning point to rebuild the party's strength. (Bernama pic) RAUB : Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that in today's challenging political landscape, decisions made by the party are aimed at ensuring the country's stability and future, even if those decisions are unpopular. Explaining the matter when officiating the Raub Umno division delegates' meeting, he emphasised that in any struggle, not all decisions taken will be comfortable, but they must be principled. 'No matter how high our position is in the party or government, we must realise that every post is a trust that must be carried out with full responsibility,' he said. Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and deputy prime minister, said what Umno needs most right now is unity of purpose and a strong fighting spirit, without faltering when tested. He also reminded party members to take Umno and BN's failure to form the government in the past two general elections as a lesson and turning point to rebuild the party's strength. 'We have been tested twice in the general elections… enough of the divisions, quarrels, shooting at each other, and hidden saboteurs within. 'Let us learn from past weaknesses and fix Umno and BN from within. Hopefully, we can be dominant once again,' he said. At a press conference later, Zahid said Umno would look into whether any of its members had participated in the rally held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 'Umno is now part of the unity government, and we must strengthen, not undermine, the government that is in place,' he said.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Zahid: Umno must make tough calls for nation's stability, even if unpopular
RAUB, July 27 — UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that in today's challenging political landscape, decisions made by the party are aimed at ensuring the country's stability and future, even if those decisions are unpopular. Explaining the matter when officiating the Raub UMNO Division Delegates' Meeting, he emphasised that in any struggle, not all decisions taken will be comfortable — but they must be principled. 'No matter how high our position is in the party or government, we must realise that every post is a trust that must be carried out with full responsibility,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and Deputy Prime Minister, said what UMNO needs most right now is unity of purpose and strong fighting spirit, without faltering when tested. He also reminded party members to take UMNO and BN's failure to form the government in the past two general elections (GE) as a lesson and turning point to rebuild the party's strength. 'We have been tested twice in the general elections… enough of the divisions, quarrels, shooting at each other, and hidden saboteurs within. Let us learn from past weaknesses and fix UMNO and Barisan Nasional from within… hopefully, we can be dominant once again,' he said. At press conference afterwards, Ahmad Zahid said UMNO would look into whether any of its members had participated in the rally held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 'UMNO is now part of the MADANI Government, and we must strengthen, not undermine, the government that is in place,' he said. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Single system for MRSM, SBP to ensure fairer placements, says Zahid
Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said priority will continue to be given to applicants from rural areas and the urban poor. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : The new single admission system for Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) and fully residential schools (SBP) will ensure fairer student placements, says deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Zahid, who chaired a coordination meeting today among MRSM, SBP, and other specialised schools under the education ministry, said the decision marked a significant milestone in the history of Malaysia's boarding school system. The new system, to be implemented from next year, will involve a single application and one placement offer per student, which Zahid said was part of the government's efforts to create a more structured, focussed, and equitable education system. Zahid said that previously, some students received multiple offers and declined some of them, resulting in unfilled seats and missed opportunities for other deserving students. 'Through this unified system, placements will be more equitable and inclusive, especially for high-achieving students from rural areas and low-income families,' he said at a press conference. 'This will prevent overlapping offers and ensure that each available spot is filled by students who are truly eligible. 'I am confident that this is a step forward in restructuring the ecosystem of our boarding school system, making it more efficient and providing equal opportunities for all Malaysian children.' Zahid said the existing policy, where 60% of intakes consists of students from B40 families, would be maintained. He also said priority would continue to be given to applicants from rural areas and the urban poor, in line with the government's aim to strengthen social mobility through education. Student selection will still be based on the Pentaksiran Kemasukan Sekolah Khusus, using a streamlined online platform shared by Mara and the education ministry. Private school students not listed in the ministry's student database can still apply through the MyMRSM system.
