Kuala lumpur: The Musyawarah Nasional, a significant initiative led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is being envisioned as a 'National Think Tank Lab'. Its primary aim is to test facts, differentiate between perception and reality, and develop solutions to address pressing Malay concerns.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who founded the Musyawarah Nasional, emphasized that the platform is not just a venue for voicing grievances. Instead, it is a gathering of intellect, data, experience, and courage to tackle the 'ills' affecting the community. He highlighted that the country has gone through a major transition since 2018, facing challenges from political changes, economic pressures post-COVID-19, geopolitical uncertainties, global conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI and automation. These factors have reshaped how people think, interact, and plan for the future.
Ahmad Zahid pointed out that Malay anxieties have not appeared suddenly but have accumulated due to prolonged pressures. These anxieties are now affecting emotions, dignity, confidence, and raise broader concerns about the community's position in their homeland. He clarified that Malay concerns should not be seen as a rejection of unity, nor are they rooted in racism. Instead, they are about taking responsibility for a core community that is integral to the country's stability, harmony, and prosperity.
Delivering his speech at the Musyawarah Nasional themed 'Malay Concerns: What Are the Solutions?', Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, stressed the need for Musyawarah Nasional to act as a contemporary ijtihad. This involves adapting strategies to ensure principles remain relevant rather than being left behind as times change. He noted that the challenges today differ from those of the past, with evolving economic, technological, and political landscapes requiring new approaches.
Ahmad Zahid warned against turning Malay concerns into hatred or using them for narrow political gains that could undermine national harmony. Instead, he urged that these concerns should be managed with knowledge, wisdom, and courage to channel anxiety into constructive direction.
The Musyawarah Nasional is designed not to incite fear but to cultivate awareness that community concerns must transition from complaints into action. Ahmad Zahid envisions it as a means to reorganize community strengths rather than merely discussing problems.
This dialogue platform aims to build policy consensus and implementation strategies grounded in data, field experience, and current needs. It is guided by Maqasid syariah principles, social justice, human development, and economic well-being. The inaugural event attracted around 2,000 participants, including community leaders, scholars, professionals, and Malay-Muslim industry players, to address strategic issues impacting the Malay community and the nation.