New plan positions Malaysia as tech creator


Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi delivering his speech at the UMNO general assembly 2026 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Kuala Lumpur.— MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The “Blue Malaysia Agenda” – a vision for the country’s future heading towards 100 years of indepen­dence – will be pursued should Barisan Nasional and its political allies return to Putrajaya, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president and Barisan chairman said the ­agenda goes beyond a “blue wave”, aspi­ring to build a globally respected and united Malaysia.

“The agenda is aimed at crea­ting wealth, developing human capital, widening ownership, improving wellbeing, strengthe­ning resilience, caring for the people, restoring trust and protecting national interests.

“If we are entrusted with the mandate to lead Putrajaya again, Umno and Barisan, together with our other partners who stand with us, will set out the ‘Blue Malaysia Agenda’,” he said in his presidential address at the 2026 Umno General Assembly.

Ahmad Zahid said the agenda’s initiatives include transforming Malaysia into a “creator nation” – that is, to become a producer and owner of technology.

“We want the world to use technology created by our people and buy Malaysian brands.

“We want to move from ‘Made in Malaysia’ to ‘Made by Malay­sia’,” he said.

The agenda aims to have 80% of the country’s workforce classified as highly skilled and earning premium wages.

Ahmad Zahid said the agenda seeks to make Malaysia a pros­perous nation, with every family to have at least 30% of disposable income after meeting basic needs.

The agenda outlines initiatives to transform Malaysia into a resi­lient nation capable of facing crises, and as a “care nation”, ensu­ring access to care for children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

“It also aims to ensure the country’s foreign relations is guided by the protection of national inte­rests and reorganising Malaysia’s priorities,” Ahmad Zahid said.

He said the coalition has a responsibility to continue its good work and develop the country.

“The people are longing for Barisan to return. We have seen the evidence in Johor and Negri Sembilan,” he added.

Turning to component partners and allies, the Umno president said the key to Barisan’s strength is the strong relations and coope­ration between the parties.

“MCA, MIC, PBRS, PPP and Friends of Barisan are not merely ‘decorations’ on the stage during election season. They are part of the history and future of a for­mula that proves Malay politics can lead while sharing power with others,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid also urged the party’s Youth and Puteri wings to engage with the youth, saying the younger generation could bring fresh ideas to the party.

Playing on slang words commonly used by Gen Z, Ahmad Zahid urged young people to “slay” with their ideas, “flex” them and show that they could bring home the W, or win.

“If you have slay ideas, do not keep them to yourselves, flex them. Let us see who can truly bring home the W (win).

“To Youth and Puteri, reach out to them and engage with them respectfully. They will come to us,” he said.

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