KUALA LUMPUR Oct 7, 2026 – Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for Agenda Malaysia Biru to be tested, refined and widened beyond party discussions so that it answers everyday concerns of Malaysians.
Speaking after the 12th BN Forum on Wednesday night, the Deputy Prime Minister said a national idea does not improve if only agreeable views are heard. “It needs to be challenged, refined and strengthened so that it can ultimately answer questions close to the lives of the people,” he wrote.
The forum, held at Menara Dato’ Onn and moderated by BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, featured MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, Tan Sri Prof Dr Nordin Kardi and political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian.
Ahmad Zahid said Agenda Malaysia Biru grew from a recurring question about the Malaysia that should be built for the next generation. He argued that politics cannot keep revolving around the same disputes, and that people want better jobs, wider ownership opportunities, greater security and a country confident enough to shape its own future.
The agenda was first outlined at the Umno general assembly last month as a long-term framework looking toward Malaysia’s centenary of independence. It sets out eight priorities: a creator nation, a skilled nation, an ownership nation, a prosperous nation, a resilient nation, a caring nation, a trustworthy nation and a sovereign nation. BN has said the framework is intended to form a core element of its manifesto for the next general election after consultation with component parties.
In his keynote, Ahmad Zahid also pressed for a shift from manufacturing for others to Malaysian ownership of technology, brands and intellectual property, describing the goal as moving from “Made in Malaysia” to “created, owned and trusted by Malaysia.” He noted that a child born today would be 31 when the country marks 100 years of independence.
He said further sessions should involve more experts, industry players, young people and communities nationwide. “If something needs to be improved, we improve it. If something is better, we listen,” he wrote, adding that the agenda must become a future built together rather than remain a concept discussed only in forums.
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