PETALING JAYA, June 7 — Caretaker Johor menteri besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has declared he would not remain in office if Barisan Nasional (BN) were to form a state government with DAP.

Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported that the statement was made during the launch of BN’s election machinery in Iskandar Puteri, where he rejected suggestions that support for BN would translate into backing for DAP, describing the claim as “slander”.

“I would rather not hold the position of menteri besar or sit at the same table with them. This is the spirit of Johor, the Bangsa Johor spirit,” he was quoted as saying.

He said that when the state government is reformed with the consent of the Sultan of Johor and the Regent of Johor, and BN is given the mandate to lead again, it would not at any time form a government with DAP.

According to the report, Onn Hafiz, who also chairs Johor BN, said he had been directed by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to seek feedback from divisions before the coalition’s election plan was finalised. 

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — The government is targeting at least 650,000 students to enrol in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes at 1,395 TVET institutions nationwide by December 31 this year.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the target follows a significant rise in student participation in TVET, which is increasingly becoming a preferred education and career pathway among parents and students.

“Last year, about 587,000 students enrolled in TVET institutions, compared with around 121,000 when the TVET Council was first established.

“This shows growing recognition among parents and students about TVET, and the fivefold increase in enrolment is a very positive achievement,” he told reporters after visiting the exhibition site for the 2026 National TVET Day celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National TVET Council Committee, said the event is being held from today until June 7 to showcase high-quality TVET to students at institutions nationwide as well as prospective applicants.

He said the approach is important to meet labour market demand, particularly in developing skilled local workers to meet industry needs.

“We must meet labour market demand in the TVET sector, particularly in producing skilled workers for industries that need Malaysian talent, and this will in turn help raise the starting salaries of TVET graduates,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said the government is also aiming for TVET to become a first-choice pathway for students, even as academic routes through public and private higher education institutions continue to be strengthened, stressing that the current focus is to meet the actual needs of the labour market nationwide.

National TVET Day 2026, themed “TVET Pilihan Utama Kerjaya” (TVET as the Preferred Career Choice), is expected to draw 500,000 visitors, featuring a range of programmes that give visitors the chance to explore six main hubs: TVET and industry engagement, seminars, a career carnival, entrepreneurship, TVET challenges, and educational entertainment.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate at the highlight of the event tomorrow, underscoring the government’s continued commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) has been mobilised to monitor coastal areas in Sandakan, Sabah, as a precaution following a strong earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines, this morning.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the areas under monitoring include Taman Harmoni, Kampung Forest, Sim-Sim, the Sandakan town centre and Pasir Putih.

Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, said field monitoring has shown that the situation in the affected areas is safe and stable, with no unusual incidents so far.

“I am aware of the tremors experienced in several areas in Sabah, along with the early tsunami warning issued earlier by MetMalaysia (Malaysian Meteorological Department).

“Alhamdulillah, the warning has been lifted. Nevertheless, I urge the public, particularly in Sabah, to remain cautious and continue following the instructions of the authorities,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid conveyed his condolences and sympathy to the people of the Philippines affected by the disaster and prayed for strength for all victims and their families.

“Malaysia is always prepared to offer any assistance as a close friend and Asean partner,” he said.

He also cautioned the public against circulating false or unverified information that could cause panic and advised them to consult MetMalaysia’s official channels for the latest updates.

At least 15 people have been killed and 134 others injured after a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck Mindanao at 7.37am today. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said new Malay-based political parties were welcome, provided they helped unite rather than further divide the community.

Speaking after the Majlis Zikir Peringatan Haul Asmaulhusna 2026 at Masjid Sultan Iskandar in Bandar Dato’ Onn, Johor Bahru, today, the Barisan Nasional chairman said any individual or political figure was free to establish a new party as long as it helped unite Malays rather than deepen existing divisions.

“We welcome any individual or figure, on the condition that we unite our thinking and do not continue to be divided among ourselves.

“Whatever platform is used, if in the end we are able to unite our actions around the national agenda, the Islamic agenda and the agenda of our community, insya-Allah.

“We will be able to lend our support because we have also come together through dialogues and discussions under the national collaboration initiative that we have undertaken,” he said, as reported by Berita Harian.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said differences in opinion should be channelled into advancing national interests, Islamic causes and the welfare of future generations, without sidelining other races and religions in the country.

He added that Umno’s Rumah Bangsa initiative had succeeded in promoting national unity.

His remarks came a day after Reset chairman Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin announced that the movement would operate under a new party known as Parti Wawasan Negara as part of efforts to strengthen political cooperation across different blocs in the country.

Hamzah reportedly said the party had been established as a platform for unity and would work with PAS and other like-minded parties to build a more comprehensive political understanding.

PUTRAJAYA, June 4 — The National TVET Council (MTVET) Meeting No. 2/2026 today focused on strengthening agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategic agenda to support the development of the agro-food sector and enhance national food security.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a statement, said the meeting, which he chaired, also reviewed several strategic initiatives to reinforce the country’s TVET ecosystem, particularly in sectors that are key drivers of economic growth and national development.

According to him, special attention was given to talent development in the agro-food sector amid challenges facing agricultural TVET, including issues related to graduate employability, the availability of high-skilled jobs and mismatches between graduates’ skills and industry requirements.

“The meeting took note of findings presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), which highlighted the need to strengthen talent development efforts to improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness in the agro-food sector,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development.

He said the matter has significant implications for food security, human capital development and the nation’s economic growth.

As such, he proposed that the issue be elevated to the Cabinet through the preparation of a Cabinet Memorandum to enable the government to consider more comprehensive and integrated policy measures.

The meeting also took note of the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) Construction TVET Implementation Plan 2026–2030, which is designed to transform the construction training ecosystem through stronger governance, wider adoption of digital technologies, enhanced career pathways and closer collaboration with industry stakeholders.

Ahmad Zahid said the initiative would help develop a highly skilled and competent workforce capable of adapting to rapid technological advancements, including digitalisation, automation and innovation within the construction sector.

“This initiative will not only address the industry’s demand for local skilled workers but also strengthen the competitiveness of Malaysia’s construction sector at both the regional and global levels,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is National TVET Council chairman, said the meeting was briefed on preparations for the National TVET Day 2026 celebration, which will take place over three days beginning tomorrow at Dataran Putrajaya under the theme “TVET the Main Career Choice”.

The event is expected to attract more than 500,000 visitors and will serve as a platform to showcase TVET’s role in developing a future-ready workforce and promoting skills-based careers among Malaysians.

Ahmad Zahid reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning TVET as a key national agenda for producing highly skilled human capital through close collaboration between government agencies, industry players and training institutions.

“I am confident that through strong cooperation among the government, industry and training institutions, TVET will continue to produce competent, innovative and competitive talent capable of driving the nation’s progress,” he said. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Umno will continue to support the Unity Government that was formed after the 15th General Election (GE15) until the next general election, in line with the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

Umno Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said this stance was decided during the Umno Supreme Council (MKT) meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Umno President, at Menara Dato’ Onn here yesterday.

At the same time, he stated that the agreement to form the Unity Government at the Federal level does not bind any state government.

According to him, the Johor State Government was formed before the creation of the Federal-level Unity Government and did not involve parties from Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Asyraf Wajdi added that the decision by Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) to defend the state mandate is not a form of betrayal against the Federal Government, as claimed by certain parties.

“On the contrary, it is a legitimate, mature, and constitutional democratic practice that fully returns the mandate to the people,” he said.

He also mentioned that Umno remains open to any form of cooperation with any party for the sake of the country’s political stability and the well-being of the people; however, any cooperation must be built upon the principles of sincerity and trust. — Bernama

KUALA TERENGGANU, June 2 — Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has submitted the coalition’s proposed candidates for the upcoming state election, with the list now being assessed, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

The Deputy Prime Minister and BN chairman said the lineup submitted by the Menteri Besar would be finalised after consultations with leaders of BN’s component parties.

“The candidates are still being assessed. At the same time, we must also respect the candidates put forward by BN’s other component parties,” he told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Economic Convention (KEUB) 2026 at the Terengganu Equestrian Resort here.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, confirmed that Onn Hafiz would remain BN’s poster boy for the election.

He said BN is setting its sights on winning more than 40 seats in the state election, improving on its performance in the 2022 polls.

However, Ahmad Zahid stressed that no victory comes easily and that success would depend on hard work, sound strategy and a well-organised election machinery.

He expressed confidence that the various initiatives implemented by the Johor government under BN’s administration would resonate with voters and strengthen public support for the coalition.

Addressing perceptions surrounding BN’s relationship with Pakatan Harapan (PH) following the decision to contest separately, Ahmad Zahid emphasised that the Johor government was formed by BN before the establishment of the Unity Government at the federal level.

“The Johor government is a BN government, not a Unity Government. Johor BN has opened the door for friendly contests across all 56 state seats,” he said.

Yesterday, Onn Hafiz announced the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly after obtaining the consent of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, paving the way for a fresh state election.

He also confirmed that the coalition will field candidates in all 56 state constituencies.

In the 2022 Johor state election, BN secured a commanding victory by winning 40 of the 56 seats contested, while PH won 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional three and Muda one. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 6 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today officially launched the GITC TVET Placement Centre (GTPC), the nation’s first integrated national talent placement platform aimed at bridging the gap between industry and skilled talent.

The platform, launched in conjunction with the National TVET Day 2026 celebration here will serve as a structured ecosystem connecting students, graduates, institutions and industry to facilitate industrial training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.

He said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to positioning TVET as a primary pathway to quality employment, higher income, social mobility and national economic competitiveness.

“TVET is no longer a secondary pathway but the primary route to quality employment, better income, social mobility and national economic competitiveness,” he said in his speech at the launch ceremony held here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National TVET Council chairman, said National TVET Day now symbolises the central role of TVET in Malaysia’s development agenda.

However, he noted that several structural challenges remained, including the mismatch between training programmes and current industry technologies, low wage perceptions that continue to stigmatise TVET careers, as well as gaps in instructor quality and training facilities that affect graduate readiness.

He said the launch of TVET 2.0 earlier today marked a new phase in the country’s efforts to create a more responsive and industry-driven TVET ecosystem.

As part of this transformation, he called on industry players to assume greater responsibility in talent development by acting as co-investors through the provision of training opportunities, facilities, mentorship and employment pathways.

“Investment in TVET is not a cost. It is an investment in productivity, competitiveness and the future of our nation,” he said.

Through GTPC, he said, industry players can register talent requirements and offer industrial training placements, apprenticeships and jobs, while students and graduates can build professional profiles, showcase competencies and secure employment opportunities.

The platform also enables institutions to monitor student progress more effectively and strengthen collaboration with industry partners.

Ahmad Zahid said the initiative would support skills-based hiring practices by emphasising competencies, practical capabilities and lifelong learning rather than academic qualifications alone.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid also highlighted the role of the Government-Industry TVET Coordination Body (GITC) as a strategic bridge linking government agencies, industry players and educational institutions to better align talent supply with workforce demand.

He urged GITC to evolve beyond its coordination role and become a catalyst for systemic change, particularly in high-growth sectors such as aerospace, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy, cybersecurity and robotics. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has extended his congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on the occasion of the King’s Official Birthday.

In a Facebook post, Fadillah said he, together with all Malaysians, prayed that His Majesty and the Royal Family would be granted continued good health and remain under the protection and blessings of Allah.

“May the King continue to reign with majesty, sovereignty and honour, guiding the nation and its people with wisdom, fairness and prudence,” according to the post. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also conveyed his highest congratulations and royal greetings to the King in conjunction with His Majesty’s Official Birthday.

“My family and I humbly extend our deepest gratitude and pray that Your Majesty’s reign will always be blessed by Allah,” he said in a Facebook post.

He also prayed that His Majesty be granted enduring health and continue to reign with sovereignty and wisdom, guiding and protecting the people and the nation. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today dismissed suggestions of reviving Muafakat Nasional (MN) 2.0, saying there have been no discussions on the matter between Umno and PAS.

“There have been no discussions on that,” he told reporters after visiting the exhibition site for National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2026 at Dataran Putrajaya here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said Umno and Barisan Nasional’s (BN) priority remains ensuring political stability through the unity government formed with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and parties from Sabah and Sarawak.

“The most important thing is to ensure that the current government remains intact until the end of the 15th Parliament’s term,” he said.

Yesterday, PAS Youth proposed that Umno revive political cooperation through Muafakat Nasional ahead of the upcoming Johor state election.

On a separate matter, Ahmad Zahid said a political meeting involving Umno and PAS leaders held last night did not involve the presidents of either party and was focused on political collaboration and national issues.

He said politics is dynamic and BN remains open to political discussions and deliberations on national matters in the interest of preserving the country’s stability. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Barisan Nasional (BN) is ready for the Negeri Sembilan state election and remains open to continuing its cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) to retain the unity government in the state, its chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

However, Ahmad Zahid said it was still too early to hold formal discussions on any electoral cooperation between the two coalitions.

“We are prepared for the Negeri Sembilan state election and, of course, remain very open to continuing the unity government in the state,” he told reporters after visiting the exhibition site for National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2026 at Dataran Putrajaya here today.

The deputy prime minister’s remarks came a day after Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced the dissolution of the 36-seat State Legislative Assembly to pave the way for the 16th state election.

In the 2023 state election, PH and BN formed the Negeri Sembilan government after securing a combined 31 of the 36 seats contested.

PH won 17 seats, followed by BN with 14, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) secured five seats.

Negeri Sembilan became the second state to dissolve its legislative assembly for a fresh election after Johor, which dissolved its State Legislative Assembly on Monday. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for mature politics, responsible leadership and practical solutions to address current challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.

In conjunction with BN’s 52nd anniversary, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said the coalition must continue to move forward with a spirit of renewal, grounded in experience and an openness to adapt to future demands.

“Believe me, the journey ahead will not always be easy. We will face various terrains, with the biggest challenge being the coming General Election,” he said in a Facebook post.

He urged all BN leaders, machinery and supporters to remain united, loyal to the struggle and attentive to the needs and sentiments of the people in order to secure a stronger mandate for the coalition.

Ahmad Zahid, who is Umno president, said BN was formed 52 years ago out of a spirit of understanding, moderation and cooperation among Malaysia’s diverse communities, to build the nation collectively.

Over the past five decades, he said, BN has gone through various phases of struggle, including an era of leading the nation’s growth as well as facing challenges that required resilience and self-reflection.

“However, one thing that has remained unchanged is our commitment to serve the people and uphold the country’s stability,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to all party members and machinery who continue to support BN’s struggle with dedication and loyalty. — Bernama