Opposition leader urges urgent contingency planning amid rising global tensions

LocalPolitics
21 Mar 2026 • 9:25 AM MYT
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OPPOSITION leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has called on the government to urgently formulate contingency plans to shield Malaysia from mounting economic and geopolitical risks stemming from escalating conflict in West Asia.

He warned that the widening impact of military actions involving Israel, the United States and Iran could destabilise the Gulf region, with knock-on effects for the global economy and Malaysia.

“If this situation continues, Malaysia’s economy will be affected. Prices of goods will soar and inflation will rise, and ultimately the people will become the victims.

“This is the time when we expect good leadership — leadership with a clear direction, maturity in decision-making, and the ability to find solutions for the people and the country.

“We want the government to do its best, make immediate preparations by presenting a contingency plan so that the people and the nation are able to face the challenges ahead,” he said in a Facebook post.

Hamzah also proposed a broad “reset” approach as a long-term framework for national resilience, stressing that it should transcend political interests.

“This ‘reset’ agenda is not about the survival of any individual or political party. It is a comprehensive, inclusive struggle oriented towards the future of the nation.

“More importantly, it aligns with the approach of maqasid syariah so that a ‘Baldatun Tayyibatun wa Rabbul Ghafur’ can be built — a good and prosperous nation that receives forgiveness and blessings from Allah SWT,” he said.

Amid festive celebrations, he also reminded Malaysians not to lose sight of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

He urged the public to remain mindful of the suffering endured by Palestinians despite the Aidilfitri festivities. - March 21, 2026