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DEPUTY Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has expressed regret over what he described as dismissive attitudes towards his recent working visit to New Zealand, emphasising that the trip yielded strategic progress across several key sectors.
Speaking at the close of the five-day mission, Ahmad Zahid said criticism of such official engagements was unfounded and counterproductive to Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
"Politics is food for politicians, whether it is the prime minister, deputy prime minister or any minister travelling abroad. That cynicism should not be entertained,” he told Malaysian media on Saturday (Friday in Malaysia).
“What matters in official or working visits is the acquisition of knowledge, experiences, and new fields not yet present in our country — so that we can explore them."
He underscored the importance of sincerity and openness in embracing external perspectives, warning against divisive and unconstructive commentary, particularly when it originates from individuals with religious backgrounds.
“If it is good, ask your friends. If it is not, ask your enemies. These are people who don’t like us — whatever we do is never good enough. Don’t be arrogant, don’t be proud, don’t be conceited,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, added that the visit opened "a new chapter" in strategic collaboration between Malaysia and New Zealand, notably in education, halal industry expansion, Indigenous affairs, disaster management, agriculture, and trade.
During the visit, he held bilateral meetings with New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka, Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay, and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti.
Malaysia, he noted, is New Zealand’s second-largest trading partner in ASEAN, with total trade reaching RM10.72 billion in 2024.
New Zealand Seeks Role in ASEAN Halal Council, MIHAS Participation
Among the most significant outcomes of the visit was New Zealand’s expressed interest in joining the ASEAN Halal Council as an associate member, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding halal cooperation with Malaysia and the wider region.
“New Zealand has voiced its wish to become an associate member of the ASEAN Halal Council, and this is a positive development that opens wider opportunities for cooperation within the halal ecosystem, not only bilaterally but also regionally,” Ahmad Zahid said.
He also confirmed that New Zealand has agreed to make Malaysia a hub for the distribution of New Zealand halal products into ASEAN and traditional partner markets.
As Chairman of the Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council, Ahmad Zahid said foreign involvement, such as New Zealand’s, would help align standards and improve the global acceptance of halal goods.
Malaysia will also welcome New Zealand’s participation in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in September, with planned business matching sessions between New Zealand and ASEAN industry players.
Pineapple Exports and Quran Translation among Key Developments
New Zealand has also shown strong interest in increasing imports of Malaysian pineapples, citing growing local demand and the fruit’s unique flavour and texture.
“The demand is high, but our export capabilities are still constrained. We have the quality — the flavour and texture are excellent,” said Ahmad Zahid.
He noted that discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, along with several state governments, would be necessary to scale up production in states such as Selangor, Johor, Pahang, and Melaka.
In a meeting with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), Ahmad Zahid was asked to assist in providing copies of the Quran in the Maori language.
“I was asked to help contribute Maori-language Qurans. I have contacted Yayasan Restu to explore this, and will seek funding from non-governmental sources, including individuals and private organisations,” he said.
He revealed that approximately 1,200 Maoris have embraced Islam, noting the opportunity for Malaysia to support this growing community. New Zealand currently has 96 mosques.
Ahmad Zahid’s five-day visit from 14 to 18 July included meetings with senior government officials, dialogues with the Malaysian diaspora, a halal industry forum, and visits to educational institutions. - July 18, 2025
