Review of 13MP, Budget 2026 needed in view of Iran war, says Zahid

 The deputy prime minister says the country's economic plans must account for the uncertainties sparked by the global energy crisis.

Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said certainties sparked by the global energy crisis have affected the supply chain, commodity prices, and overall economic costs.

KUALA LUMPUR:

 Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said there is a need to review the 13th Malaysia Plan and 2026 budget in view of the Iran war.

Zahid said the country’s economic plans must take into account the uncertainties sparked by the global energy crisis, which has affected the supply chain, commodity prices and the overall economic costs.

“We need to re-look at the national budget and the 13MP and take into account these new facts,” he said during the BN Forum Series 10, which focused on the impact of the Middle East conflict.

Zahid, who is also the Barisan Nasional chairman, said the coalition would rely on its past experience in managing the Covid-19 and 1997 financial crisis, to deal with the impending predicament.

He said the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) held weekly meetings to discuss short- and medium-term measures.

He also said Malaysia’s neutral stand on the Middle East conflict had been welcomed by many countries, including Iran and the US.

The country’s stance, which is in line with international principles, was also respected by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries.

Zahid also said Malaysia’s impartial approach was the right step to ensure that the country’s interests continue to be preserved. - FMT