Tag: Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Thousands Attend Johor Barisan Nasional Machinery Launch Ahead of State Polls

ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 8 — Thousands of Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters gathered at the Indoor Stadium of the Educity Complex in Iskandar Puteri on Sunday for the official launch of the Johor BN election machinery, signalling the coalition’s readiness for the upcoming Johor state election. The event was officiated by BN Chairman, Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and attended by Johor Menteri Besar Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who also serves as Chairman of the Johor Barisan Nasional Coordination Committee. The stadium was filled with a sea of blue as party members and supporters from across the state turned up in large numbers to demonstrate their support for the coalition. During the event, BN leaders also witnessed the presentation of adopted states (“Negeri Angkat”) and the launch of the official Johor BN theme song in conjunction with preparations for the anticipated state election. In his address, Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence in Johor BN’s readiness to face the polls, highlighting the coalition’s governance record and development achievements in the state. Party leaders reiterated that Johor voters would be able to assess BN’s performance and leadership, particularly under the administration led by Onn Hafiz Ghazi. The event concluded on a high note, with enthusiastic supporters filling the stadium and creating a vibrant atmosphere as BN intensified its preparations for the state election campaign. The Johor state election is widely expected to be a key political contest, with parties beginning to mobilise their machinery and strengthen grassroots support across the state. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB BARISAN NASIONAL

ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 8 — Thousands of Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters gathered at the Indoor Stadium of the Educity Complex in Iskandar Puteri on Sunday for the official launch of the Johor BN election machinery, signalling the coalition’s readiness for the upcoming Johor state election. The event was officiated by BN Chairman, Dato’ Seri Dr […]

ZAHID HAMIDI INVITES PUBLIC TO JOIN NATIONAL TVET DAY 2026 CELEBRATIONS IN PUTRAJAYA

PUTRAJAYA, June 6, 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has invited the public to participate in the National TVET Day 2026 celebrations currently taking place at Dataran Putrajaya until June 7. According to him, the event has received an encouraging response so far, attracting visitors from all walks of life who are eager to explore the educational, skills training, and career opportunities offered through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).                 “I would like to share the vibrant atmosphere of the National TVET Day 2026 celebrations currently being held at Dataran Putrajaya. Alhamdulillah, the response has been very encouraging, with visitors from various backgrounds coming to see firsthand the education, skills development, and career opportunities available through TVET,” he said. Ahmad Zahid also encouraged those who have not yet attended to take advantage of the remaining days of the celebration, which feature a wide range of engaging activities, exhibitions, and interactive showcases related to TVET. “There are still many exciting activities awaiting visitors today and tomorrow. I warmly invite everyone to come and support the nation's human capital development agenda through TVET,” he added. The National TVET Day 2026 celebration is being held at Dataran Putrajaya from June 5 to June 7, 2026, operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event brings together educational institutions, government agencies, industry players, and various stakeholders in a collective effort to strengthen TVET as a key pathway for developing skilled talent and a future-ready workforce for Malaysia. -- MINUTESMY -- CREDIT: FB ZAHID HAMIDI

PUTRAJAYA, June 6, 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has invited the public to participate in the National TVET Day 2026 celebrations currently taking place at Dataran Putrajaya until June 7. According to him, the event has received an encouraging response so far, attracting visitors from all walks of life […]

KKDW needs to shift to a culture of impact, accountability – Ahmad Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) needs to shift from a culture of mere process compliance to a work culture based on impact and accountability to ensure that every policy and programme truly brings change to rural people, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said KKDW cannot just be an organization that complies with processes and governance, but must instead be responsible for outcomes that directly impact the well-being of the people. "We must move from a culture of compliance to a culture of impact . From a culture of activity to a culture of accountability . This is the new discipline that I want and we all want to implement at KKDW," he said when speaking at the KKDW monthly gathering, here today. Ahmad Zahid said the people do not judge the government based on the number of meetings or presentations held, but rather through the ability of the government's policies and actions to change their lives. He also urged all KKDW leadership and staff to act faster, be brave in making decisions and honestly assess the organization's weaknesses, as well as be closer to the people to address rural development issues. Therefore, he asked the Secretary-General (KSU) and the ministry's deputy KSUs, directors-general and headmasters to make this mid-term review a turning point with each finding translated into clear decisions and effective implementation. "Every decision must have a timeline between us or the responsible party and every responsibility must lead to actions that we can all work towards. The biggest weakness of an organization is not when it admits it has a problem but when it knows about the problem but does not dare to act," he said. He also outlined six main disciplines that should form the basis of the mid-term review of the KKDW, namely relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability and coherence. Ahmad Zahid said rural development can no longer be seen as a mere welfare agenda, but rather must be considered as a national defence agenda that is important to guarantee national stability. "If the villages are weak, the country will be fragile. If the villages lag behind, the country will lose balance. But if the villages develop, God willing, Malaysia will have a strong foundation to face any challenges ahead," he said. Ahmad Zahid said KKDW needed to move with new disciplines that would have a major impact on the people as well as speed up the implementation of development programmes and projects. He said that although the country's economy continued to show resilience with economic growth remaining positive, the main question was whether the development implemented was truly benefiting the rural people. Giving the example of the construction of the 1,800-kilometre Rural Link Road (JPD) under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), Ahmad Zahid said the project opened up access to education, health, the economy and job opportunities for rural communities. He said the national rural economic agenda needs to be seen as a comprehensive ecosystem that connects infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, education, training and employment opportunities. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid praised the initiatives of several agencies under KKDW including the Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH) which implemented the KETENGAH Food Valley project, commercial pineapple plantations, broiler farming, in addition to the development of the first coffee plantation area in Kelantan by the South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR) as well as the KEDA Food Valley project developed by the Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA). He also expressed his appreciation to the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) following the increase in the enrollment of Orang Asli students into institutions of higher learning (IPT) and the Master's Education Preparation Plan (RPPS), which was described as the highest in the community's educational history. He said early education institutions such as Child Guidance Centres (TABIKA), Child Care Centres (TASKA), Smart Pre-Tahfiz, Smart Classroom and Special Early Childhood Centres under the Community Development Department (KEMAS) also play an important role in building a rural generation that is knowledgeable, technologically literate and confident. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) needs to shift from a culture of mere process compliance to a work culture based on impact and accountability to ensure that every policy and programme truly brings change to rural people, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He, who is also the […]

UMNO annual conference begins today until July 12

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 1 — The annual UMNO conference, which brings together representatives from Divisions, Women, Youth and Puteri throughout the country, will be held today until July 12. UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the conference would be a platform to strengthen the ranks of struggle and renew commitment to the party, […]

MARA at 60 Must Champion Fair Opportunity, Not Just Celebrate Legacy – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the 60th anniversary of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) should not be viewed as a routine institutional milestone, but as a profound reflection of Malaysia’s long journey in balancing merit, justice, and social responsibility. In a statement today, Anwar stressed that MARA’s legacy represents more than six decades of policy—it embodies the nation’s ongoing effort to build a more inclusive future. “The debate on affirmative action has never subsided. It is often reduced to narrow and simplistic arguments,” he said, noting that criticisms rooted in pure meritocracy—such as those associated with American economist Thomas Sowell—should not be adopted uncritically without considering Malaysia’s unique socio-economic realities. Anwar argued that perspectives emphasizing unrestricted competition risk overlooking structural inequalities. Drawing from the tradition of economist John Kenneth Galbraith, he said social justice is not merely rhetorical but a structural necessity to prevent communities from being trapped in cycles of marginalisation. “Justice must be upheld not to deny merit, but to correct longstanding imbalances. Without principled intervention, meritocracy risks becoming a tool that legitimises inequality rather than resolving it,” he added. Referencing philosopher John Rawls’ concept of “justice as fairness,” Anwar questioned the validity of demanding equal competition without first ensuring equal access. “How can we expect fair competition between elite urban schools and students in remote areas such as Kapit, Manik Urai, Hulu Kelantan or Hulu Pahang, without first guaranteeing equitable opportunities and foundations?” he said. Anwar concluded that justice must ultimately manifest through equal opportunity, reaffirming MARA’s continued role as a vehicle for empowerment—particularly in education, entrepreneurship, and social mobility. “MARA must continue to uplift every child of the nation, regardless of background or geography, so they may rise with dignity and strong competitiveness,” he said. -- Minutes MY --Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the 60th anniversary of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) should not be viewed as a routine institutional milestone, but as a profound reflection of Malaysia’s long journey in balancing merit, justice, and social responsibility. In a statement today, Anwar stressed that MARA’s legacy represents more than six decades […]

Government Strengthens Readiness to Tackle Pressure of Cost of Living

PUTRAJAYA, 3 APRIL -- Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stressed that the government will take firm action against any parties attempting to exploit the current global uncertainty by unreasonably increasing prices of goods. Speaking after chairing the 17th Executive Committee Meeting of the National Livelihood Action Council (NACCOL), Zahid said the world is currently facing heightened instability, with the conflict in West Asia beginning to disrupt the global energy supply chain and impact daily life. He emphasized that the government’s primary focus remains on protecting citizens from the growing economic pressures. “The interest of the people will always be our priority. We will not compromise with any party that takes advantage of the situation,” he said, adding that strict enforcement measures will be implemented against offenders. As part of immediate actions, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid announced that NACCOL will convene regularly during this critical period to ensure that emerging issues are addressed swiftly and effectively. He also highlighted the government’s significant financial commitment for 2026, with RM54.7 billion allocated for social assistance, subsidies, and income enhancement initiatives. Currently, more than 13.7 million Malaysians benefit from various programmes, including STR, SARA, and the Rahmah Sales Programme. Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring that assistance reaches those in need, while maintaining the welfare of the rakyat despite ongoing global challenges. “Insya-Allah, the Government will continue to stand with the people and safeguard their wellbeing under all circumstances,” he said. --Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris --Photo: FB Zahid Hamidi

PUTRAJAYA, 3 APRIL — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stressed that the government will take firm action against any parties attempting to exploit the current global uncertainty by unreasonably increasing prices of goods. Speaking after chairing the 17th Executive Committee Meeting of the National Livelihood Action Council (NACCOL), Zahid said the world is […]

KKDW Strengthens Rural Economic Resiliency in the Face of Global Crisis

PUTRAJAYA, 2 APRIL -- Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to strengthen rural economic resilience as global uncertainties continue to impact Malaysia’s grassroots communities. Speaking during a recent session with citizens under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Zahid highlighted that escalating geopolitical tensions and rising global oil prices are placing significant strain on rural livelihoods. He noted that when oil prices surged to around USD115.55 per ton, subsidy costs rapidly increased from RM700 million to RM3.2 billion, creating a ripple effect across the nation. “This is not merely about figures. The consequences are deeply felt by over 8.1 million rural residents, including small-scale farmers, fishermen, gardeners, and Indigenous communities,” he said. Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad  Zahid Hamidi emphasized that KKDW’s role is now more critical than ever, describing it as the “ultimate bastion” in ensuring rural communities remain resilient and continue to progress despite external economic shocks. He outlined a strategic response focused on addressing immediate cost pressures, reducing dependency on volatile global factors, and unlocking new growth opportunities by leveraging existing rural resources and strengths. “With a bold, structured approach and the collective commitment of all KKDW members, I am confident that our rural communities will not only endure but continue to thrive under any circumstances,” he added. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Photo: FB Zahid Hamidi

PUTRAJAYA, 2 APRIL — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to strengthen rural economic resilience as global uncertainties continue to impact Malaysia’s grassroots communities. Speaking during a recent session with citizens under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Zahid highlighted that escalating geopolitical tensions and rising […]