Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says national unity is the key to overcoming economic challenges and restoring Malaysia’s ‘Asian Tiger’ status

SHAH ALAM: Malaysia has the potential to regain its status as an ‘Asian Tiger’ if its people unite and set aside their differences in facing current economic challenges, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the country’s strength does not depend solely on economic policies, but also on the unity of its people in addressing issues such as rising global oil prices, which have a direct impact on the cost of living.

“We are facing these challenges together. We must not only pray but also strive to overcome whatever problems arise from the increase in oil prices, which leads to higher prices of goods and ultimately increases the cost of living.

“I am confident that Malaysia will once again become an Economic Tiger of Asia when we unite in facing these difficulties.  Let us set aside our religious, political and other differences… let us all support the government so that these issues can be resolved as quickly as possible,” he said.

He said this at the Vaisakhi celebration at Gurdwara Sahib Guru Nanak here today, which was also attended by the Gurdwara’s president Datuk Bhupindar Singh and the Punjabi Party of Malaysia (PPM) president Datuk Gurjeet Singh Rhande.

Elaborating further, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said religious differences are not a barrier for people to help one another, as demonstrated by gurdwara institutions that stepped forward to assist flood victims regardless of race and religion during the major floods that hit Selangor in December 2021.

“We saw firsthand how gurdwaras stepped in to assist flood victims when help was most needed. This support was not limited to the Sikh community, but extended to Malays, Chinese, Indians and people of all backgrounds, with aid provided by gurdwaras in Shah Alam.

“This is a commendable gesture and a positive example that we should emulate – not only by doing good deeds, but by demonstrating them through sincere actions, not merely words or writing, as shown by the Sikh community in Shah Alam, Selangor and across Malaysia,” he said.

On Vaisakhi, Ahmad Zahid said the celebration is important not only to the Sikh community but also as a reflection of Malaysia’s diverse religious and cultural festivities.

He said that as a multiracial nation, Malaysians must continue to foster mutual respect to ensure that harmony and stability are always preserved.

“Malaysia is a multiracial country, and we must respect all religions. For our own faith to be respected, we must extend the same respect to others,” he said.

Vaisakhi is celebrated by the Sikh community to mark the beginning of the new year in the Sikh calendar.

 The Sun Malaysia