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Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘Don't be arrogant': Zahid hits back at critics of his NZ working visit, says Malaysia must be ready to learn from others
WELLINGTON, July 18 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed regret over the actions of certain quarters who belittled his working visit to New Zealand. He said such criticisms were inappropriate and served only to undermine his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new opportunities for Malaysia. 'In every working visit, my primary objective is to acquire knowledge, exchange experiences, and identify strategic areas that can benefit the country and the people,' he said. 'Politics will always be a subject of discussion among politicians, be it ministers, deputy prime ministers, or even prime ministers who are abroad, but such cynicism should not be entertained. 'What is important in working visits, or official visits, are valuable opportunities to gain insights and discover areas not yet developed in Malaysia, which can then be explored,' he told Malaysian journalists at the end of a five-day working visit to New Zealand here today. Also present were Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki and John K Samuel, the Undersecretary of the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said that sincerity and openness to feedback, and a willingness to learn from other countries should be prioritised-rather than being caught in a cycle of unconstructive criticism. 'If it's good, ask your friends. If it's not good, ask your enemies. Enemies are those who dislike we do will never be good enough for them. But don't be arrogant. Don't be arrogant. Don't be arrogant,' he emphasised. He also expressed disappointment that some of the cynicism came from individuals with religious backgrounds who, he said, voiced their opinions without prudence, ultimately undermining the spirit of cooperation and national development. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said his five-day working visit to New Zealand had opened a new chapter in strengthening strategic cooperation between Malaysia and the Oceanian nation. The visit covered various sectors, including education, the halal industry, disaster management, trade, agriculture, and the empowerment of the Orang Asli community through engagements with the Maori community. During the five-day working visit, Ahmad Zahid held bilateral meetings with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Minister for Maori Development Tama Potaka, Minister for Agriculture and Trade Todd McClay and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti. The working visit is part of Malaysia's efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations with strategic partners in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2024, the value of Malaysia-New Zealand trade amounted to RM10.72 billion, making Malaysia the second-largest trading partner among ASEAN countries for New Zealand. — Bernama
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Don't just study — embrace local culture, Zahid tells Malaysians in New Zealand
WELLINGTON, July 18 — Malaysian students abroad have been reminded not to focus solely on academics, but also to engage with the local communities to foster cross-cultural understanding. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that the involvement in local communities and understanding their cultures are vital for nurturing well-rounded and reputable graduates. 'Don't just learn from inside the lecture rooms, tutorials, or professors' offices. 'We should also introduce ourselves to the local communities and learn their cultures, especially the Maori culture here, which is rich with historical values and a spirit of resilience,' he said during a gathering with over 250 Malaysian students and residents in New Zealand, here. Also present were Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki, alongside official delegates and senior Malaysian government officers. In his remarks, Ahmad Zahid also expressed his admiration for the Maori community's strong identity and spirit, highlighting their success in preserving cultural heritage while managing community economic assets through their trust agencies since the 19th century. 'I would like to congratulate the Maori leaders and community here. We need to learn from their spirit and strength in fighting for their rights and adapt that to the Malaysian context, especially in empowering the Orang Asli communities,' he said. The deputy prime minister also praised the achievements and positive image upheld by students sponsored by various agencies, including the Public Service Department (JPA), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), government-linked companies (GLCs), and government-linked investment companies (GLICs). He said social assimilation and cross-cultural understanding are critical components in shaping competitive individuals ready to return and serve the nation. Highlighting Malaysia's demand for professionals in critical fields such as engineering, law, and accounting, Ahmad Zahid urged students to consider returning home to contribute to national development after completing their studies. While acknowledging that salaries in Malaysia might be lower compared to countries like New Zealand, he stressed the importance of their services to fuel the country's growth and economy. 'I urge you to come home, especially those in engineering, law and accounting. I know salaries in Malaysia may be lower compared to New Zealand, but remember, east or west, home is best,' he said. At the event, the deputy prime minister also announced a NZ$100,000 (RM251,000) allocation to Rumah Malaysia to support preparations for Malaysia's National Day celebrations this year. — Bernama
Barnama
17-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysian Students Abroad Should Foster Cross-cultural Understanding
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi mingles with guests at the Meet and Greet Session with the Diaspora held today as part of his official visit here. Also present is Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki (fifth, right). From Ahmad Erwan Othman WELLINGTON, July 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysian students abroad have been reminded not to focus solely on academics, but also to engage with the local communities to foster cross-cultural understanding. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that the involvement in local communities and understanding their cultures are vital for nurturing well-rounded and reputable graduates. 'Don't just learn from inside the lecture rooms, tutorials, or professors' offices. 'We should also introduce ourselves to the local communities and learn their cultures, especially the Maori culture here, which is rich with historical values and a spirit of resilience,' he said during a gathering with over 250 Malaysian students and residents in New Zealand, here. Also present were Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki, alongside official delegates and senior Malaysian government officers. In his remarks, Ahmad Zahid also expressed his admiration for the Maori community's strong identity and spirit, highlighting their success in preserving cultural heritage while managing community economic assets through their trust agencies since the 19th century. 'I would like to congratulate the Maori leaders and community here. We need to learn from their spirit and strength in fighting for their rights and adapt that to the Malaysian context, especially in empowering the Orang Asli communities,' he said. The deputy prime minister also praised the achievements and positive image upheld by students sponsored by various agencies, including the Public Service Department (JPA), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), government-linked companies (GLCs), and government-linked investment companies (GLICs).
New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid calls on Malaysian professionals abroad to return and rebuild nation
WELLINGTON: Malaysians working abroad, especially engineers and other professionals, are being encouraged to return home and contribute to nation-building. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said low salaries in Malaysia have pushed many to seek opportunities overseas. During his visit to Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) yesterday, he said that he had received a letter from a Malaysian student in New Zealand requesting job opportunities upon graduation. "I received a paper proposing that all students studying abroad be offered employment when they return to Malaysia. "I replied, asking, who will give them jobs? The High Commissioner of Malaysia to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki, said we would discuss it further," Zahid said. He said that while Malaysia needs about 60,000 engineers annually, the demand is not currently being met. "Therefore, I urge you to return to our country, especially those in engineering and other professional fields. "In law and accountancy too; come back to Malaysia," he said at a meet-and-greet event with more than 250 members of the Malaysian community here. Also present was High Commissioner Mazita Marzuki. At the event, Zahid announced a contribution of NZ$100,000 (RM251,379) to Rumah Malaysia, referring to the Malaysian Embassy in New Zealand. In his speech, Zahid advised Malaysian students not to rely solely on classroom learning. He encouraged them to assimilate with their surroundings and the local culture. "I am very proud of our youth here. "They represent Malaysia's best image. "What's important is that you don't only learn what is taught in class or lectures, learn from your surroundings. "Assimilate with the local community. "Understand their culture, particularly the Māori culture," he said.
The Star
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘More Orang Asli in varsity'
Farming the future: Ahmad Zahid (left) visiting Onuku Farm, a sheep and dairy farm in Rotorua, New Zealand, to review the best practices in the agricultural and livestock industries that can be emulated and adapted in Malaysia. Also present is the Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki (second from left). — Bernaa ROTORUA: More than 500 Orang Asli students have enrolled in local private and public universities to further their studies this year, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said this was among the achievements of the current administration to uplift the socioeconomic status of the community. 'Although the Orang Asli represent a minority group, the Madani government is committed to ensuring that they receive the necessary attention and support, thereby preventing them from being sidelined or left behind,' he stated to reporters following his participation in the Maori Business Roundtable discussions with Maori community leaders yesterday. He said the number of Orang Asli students enrolling in the local universities has been increasing since 2023. 'The 300 enrolment target set for 2023 was exceeded, and the enrolment also surpassed last year's target of 400 after it was increased. 'This year's target of 500 has also been surpassed,' he said. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid announced that he would soon chair a special meeting with the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) to establish an Orang Asli Business Council. He said the council will help expose the community to various viable business fields. He added a microcredit scheme would be established under Amanah Ikthiar Malaysia to offer small loans to Orang Asli women and mothers, enabling them to generate additional income for their families. 'We will also set up a TVET institution specifically for the Orang Asli,' he added. The Melaka government is also looking into turning the Orang Asli village in Gapam Baru in Selandar, Alor Gajah, into an international tourist attraction. He said further talks will be held to fine-tune the details of the proposal, including providing funds to promote the village. He added Cameron Highlands MP Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor, who also heads the Orang Asli Development Committee, will oversee the implementation of these proposals. Ramli is the nation's first Orang Asli MP, and he was subsequently appointed as Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker. There are slightly more than 200,000 Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia, who account for about 0.8% of the nation's population. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, visited the Whakarewa Living Maori Village in an effort to learn how New Zealand's indigenous community manages their cultural and economic affairs. The Deputy Prime Minister is on a five-day working visit that began on July 14, with the aim of boosting bilateral ties and trade with New Zealand.
