KUALA LUMPUR, May 1, 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday stressed that education remains the fundamental promise of the national struggle, serving as the foundation for opportunity, dignity and the future of the Bumiputera community and the nation.
Speaking at the Bumiputera Education Congress 2026 held at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), Zahid — who is also UMNO President — warned that the education system must confront both longstanding challenges and new pressures from artificial intelligence (AI), rapid technological advancement and global economic shifts.
“Pendidikan adalah janji perjuangan. Daripadanya lahir peluang, terangkat martabat dan terbina masa depan bangsa. Namun hari ini, kita tidak boleh sekadar berbangga dengan apa yang telah dibina,” he said.
“We must bravely face reality with honesty. Today’s education is no longer just about the classroom — it has become a matter of national survival,” Zahid added in his keynote address, which he later shared on X.
He outlined five key reform priorities for immediate attention:
- A more flexible multi-path education system
- Expanded access to preschool education
- Strengthening of Bumiputera education waqf
- Upholding the dignity and welfare of teachers
- A clearer, value-based direction for national education
Zahid emphasised the need to return education to its core purpose — developing well-balanced individuals equipped with both knowledge (ilmu) and strong moral values. He also called for the empowerment of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a dignified and respected career pathway, as well as the expansion of tahfiz education to produce professional huffaz.
The congress, organised as part of UMNO’s 80th anniversary celebrations, featured panel discussions — including one on “TVET from a Global Perspective” — and produced a series of resolutions. Zahid thanked all presenters and panellists for their contributions and pledged to give the resolutions the attention they deserve.
“Insya-Allah, saya akan memastikan ianya diberi perhatian sewajarnya dalam memperkukuh hala tuju pendidikan negara,” he said.
The event drew strong participation from education leaders, policymakers and stakeholders. Resolutions covering policy reviews, mainstreaming of tahfiz education (including the proposed establishment of a National Tahfiz Council), TVET enhancement, early childhood education, waqf development and overall national education direction are expected to be elevated for Cabinet consideration.
The congress underscores the government’s commitment to addressing access and quality gaps while preparing Bumiputera and Malaysian students for a rapidly changing world.
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