Ahmad Zahid Expresses Regrets Over Cynicism On Visit To NZ
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi holds a press conference in conjunction with the final day of his official working visit to New Zealand today.
By Ahmad Erwan Othman
WELLINGTON, July 18 (Bernama) -- 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 Saturday (Friday in Malaysia).
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 us...whatever we do will never be good enough for them. But don't be arrogant. Don't be arrogant. Don't be arrogant,' he emphasised.
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