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Zahid calls for trust to translate into votes, hints at 'Blue Wave'

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today called for public trust to be translated into votes, as he quipped about a "Blue Wave" taking shape in the country.

nst.com.my ·

Zahid calls for trust to translate into votes, hints at 'Blue Wave'

KUALA LUMPUR - Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged Malaysians to trust the nation's leaders, stating that translating that trust into votes would lead to a new "Blue Wave." As the Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno president, Zahid emphasized that Malaysia has always built its leadership on trust, now urging the public to convert that trust into strong partnerships, increased votes, and a burgeoning "Blue Wave."

The deputy prime minister closed the 2026 World Islamic Tourism and Trade Expo (WITEX) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, quipping that if his listeners understood, great; if not, that was fine too. The Blue Wave reference came after the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition secured a landslide victory in the Johor state election, winning 48 out of 56 seats, while the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition took 8, and the Pasukan Nasional (PN) failed to win any.

Zahid noted that the recent Johor and Negri Sembilan election results bolstered the momentum of the "blue" and "dark blue" political waves, which originated in Johor, respectively. The expo, according to him, should be a platform for connecting markets, fostering opportunities, and shaping the future of the global Muslim travel economy. Zahid closed with a call to all attendees to visit Malaysia and, more importantly, to collaborate and build with the nation.

Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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The ruling party has expressed concerns over allegations of intervention in the judiciary, saying that the judiciary should instead resume trials involving the president. On the 29th, Rep. Jang Dong-hyuk of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea said at a press conference at the National Assembly that, “If the allegations are true, it is a serious issue that undermines the separation of powers and the rule of law,” and added, “The judiciary should respond to this issue with a strong sense of responsibility.” Regarding the recent controversy over Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon’s personnel intervention in the judiciary and Chief Justice Lee Hong-seok’s emergency meeting with prosecutors, Rep. Jang said, “The judiciary should be careful in its response,” and added, “The judiciary should show the people that it is not shaken by the executive or legislative branches.” Rep. Jang emphasized, “The judiciary should resume trials involving the president and high-ranking government officials,” and said, “In particular, the trial of former President Park Geun-hye and President Moon Jae-in’s corruption case should be resumed quickly.” On the same day, Rep. Cho Huide of the main opposition People Power Party also held a press conference and said, “The people will not acknowledge a judiciary that is under the control of the executive or legislative branches,” and added, “The judiciary should restore the public’s trust.” Earlier on the 28th, Rep. Kim Chong-in, the interim leader of the People Power Party, also expressed concerns over allegations of intervention in the judiciary, saying, “If true, it is a serious threat to democracy.” On the 27th, it was reported that Minister Han Dong-hoon had exercised influence over the judiciary, including recommending the reversal of a high court ruling in a case involving the prosecution’s appeal. On the same day, Chief Justice Lee Hong-seok reportedly held an emergency meeting with prosecutors and recommended that they appeal a case involving a former justice minister.

·hani.co.kr

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