Latest news with #Zahid
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Zahid: I'll meet prime minister soon on royal addendum
TAMPIN: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he will meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim soon to convey the wishes of 145 Umno division chiefs regarding the issue of the royal addendum involving Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak. The Umno president, who is also the deputy prime minister, said he hopes the prime minister will use his discretion to consider and act on the wishes expressed by the Umno division chiefs during the meeting. "I will convey their (the Umno division chiefs') wishes to the prime minister during a meeting that will be held within the next day or two. "Hopefully, he (Anwar) will exercise his discretion as the prime minister to ensure that the wishes of the Umno division chiefs are fulfilled. "Of course, this will be done in accordance with existing governance and legal frameworks," he told reporters after officiating the Tampin Umno division delegates' meeting at Dewan Perdana here today. Present were Negri Sembilan Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias and Tampin Umno Division chief Datuk Isam Mohd Isa. Zahid was asked to comment on the gathering of 145 Umno division chiefs recently who urged Anwar to take full responsibility for implementing the royal addendum, which would allow Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest. The division chiefs said the matter had already received the consent of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and therefore, there should be no further reason to delay its implementation. Zahid also said the meeting involving the Umno division chiefs, led by Wangsa Maju Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Shafei Abdullah, reflected the voice of the party's grassroots. Zahid, who is the rural and regional development minister, said they were solely focused on the implementation of the royal addendum concerning Najib and had no intention of overstepping the authority of the King or interfering with the prime minister's responsibilities. "They merely wanted to express the wishes and concerns of the grassroots, as well as their sympathy for Najib," he said. Commenting on the remarks by Titiwangsa PKR division chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman, who claimed that the Umno division chiefs' demands were inappropriate given the current stability of the government, Zahid said that no other issues were raised apart from the matter of the royal addendum. "I hope those in that camp do not undermine the existing political stability," he said. On the statement by Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that the coalition is ready to replace the current government, citing a better track record and experience during the Covid-19 pandemic, Zahid dismissed Muhyiddin's remarks as mere fantasy. "We cannot stop anyone from dreaming, because dreams are free. But it's enough to recall that his administration was known as a failed government," he said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid shrugs off critics, cements strategic ties in New Zealand
WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has opted to remain focused on serving the people and the nation rather than paying heed to criticism levelled at him during his five-day working visit to New Zealand, which concludes today. He acknowledged that any initiative he undertook was often met with disapproval from the opposition — an inevitable facet of political life. "If it's something good, ask a friend. If it's not, ask an enemy. An enemy is someone who dislikes us. No matter what good we do, they will never see it as such. "Criticism is part and parcel of politics — whether one is a minister, deputy prime minister, or even the prime minister travelling abroad. Such cynicism should not be entertained. "What matters is the knowledge we gain in fields yet to be developed in our country, which we can explore and adapt for our benefit. "Don't be arrogant, don't be boastful, don't be conceited. These attitudes are damaging — particularly when such cynicism comes from those who claim to be deeply religious," he said at a press conference this morning summarising his visit. Also present were Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki and the Foreign Ministry's Secretary for the Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Oceania Division John K. Samuel. Reflecting on the outcomes of the visit, Zahid said numerous strategic collaborations were established — including those aimed at empowering the rights and welfare of the Indigenous community, as well as initiatives in halal industry development, education, agriculture, trade, and disaster management. He said that New Zealand had also expressed interest in joining the Asean Halal Council as an associate member, should Malaysia extend a formal invitation. The country is also expected to participate as an exhibitor at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) in September. Zahid chairs the Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council. New Zealand, he said, had also requested an increase in Malaysia's pineapple exports to fill a shortfall in its domestic market. In response, he plans to raise the matter with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and instruct relevant state executive councillors in Selangor, Pahang, Johor and Melaka to scale up cultivation of the tropical fruit. During a meeting with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, Zahid said he received a request for the Quran to be translated into the Māori language. "They asked whether Malaysia could donate copies of the Quran in Māori. I have contacted the Restu Foundation to undertake the translation. The funding will not come from the government, but from individuals or relevant parties. "There are about 1,200 Māori Muslims. I believe this is a meaningful starting point to support them. With 96 mosques across the country, we will do what we can to assist," he said.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- 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.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, NZ to strengthen disaster management ties, boost regional preparedness
WELLINGTON: Malaysia and New Zealand have the potential to enhance bilateral cooperation in disaster management through a more holistic approach, following Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's visit to New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), also known as the Beehive Bunker, today. The visit, part of the final day of his five-day official working trip to the country, is expected to open new avenues to reinforce emergency and disaster management collaboration between the two nations. Zahid, who also chairs Malaysia's Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP), said the visit was more than symbolic and carried a mission to expand strategic cooperation. This includes sharing information, disaster safety education and training, rescue simulations, and logistical coordination for disaster victims. "After the visit to NEMA, I held a bilateral meeting with New Zealand's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Trade and Investment, Todd McClay. "I shared my experience at the Beehive Bunker and welcomed the effort to finalise a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on disaster management between Malaysia and New Zealand ahead of the Asean-New Zealand Commemorative Summit in October," he told reporters. Zahid also expressed Malaysia's readiness to work hand-in-hand with New Zealand in strengthening regional disaster preparedness. During the meeting, McClay also expressed interest in Malaysia's halal industry, aiming to become a strategic partner not only in certification but also as a gateway to the Asean market of over 600 million people. Zahid said New Zealand was also open to importing more Malaysian agricultural products, particularly tropical fruits like pineapples. In return, McClay expressed his country's commitment to opening more investment opportunities for Malaysian companies in New Zealand's construction sector. "Overall, the meeting reached a strategic consensus to expand bilateral trade relations, including New Zealand's active involvement in platforms such as the Asean-GCC-China Summit and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), aimed at strengthening Indo-Pacific economic integration. "God willing, with mutual commitment, Malaysia-New Zealand ties will not only remain strong but continue to grow as a regional strategic cooperation model that brings tangible benefits to the people of both countries," he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
DPM Zahid visits New Zealand crisis centre to study disaster management
WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will visit New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre today to observe the country's disaster and crisis response framework. The visit, part of his four-day working trip, aligns with his role as Chairman of Malaysia's Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP). Located beneath New Zealand's Parliament in the Beehive Bunker, the centre is known for its advanced emergency coordination and recovery strategies. Zahid aims to study New Zealand's inter-agency collaboration and transparency in disaster management, areas where the country excels. Later, he will hold a bilateral meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, to discuss food security and supply chain cooperation. The day concludes with a community engagement session involving over 250 Malaysians in Wellington. Zahid's visit, which began in Auckland on July 14, included meetings with the ASEAN–New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC) and a Māori Business Roundtable in Rotorua. Discussions focused on indigenous development and economic partnerships. He wraps up his trip on July 18, returning to Kuala Lumpur after strengthening diplomatic and trade relations between Malaysia and New Zealand. - Bernama
