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King can help govt transform Malaysia, says Zaid

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Ex-minister Zaid Ibrahim says the Cabinet must push back against conservative voices or risk killing tourism and the economy.

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Free Malaysia Today
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim is a modern-thinking, progressive king who could help the nation become more ‘like Dubai or Singapore’, said Zaid Ibrahim. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:
Zaid Ibrahim has described Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim as a key ally who can help the government transform Malaysia into a more modern nation.

The former law minister said Sultan Ibrahim is the kind of modern-thinking and progressive king who could help the nation become more “like Dubai or Singapore”.

“Don’t waste the opportunity. Don’t be timid.

“Such transformation not only benefits the economy but changes the character of our people. They will be more thinking people and not just mindlessly follow the preachers,” he said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Free Malaysia Today
Zaid Ibrahim.

Zaid said tourism destinations, such as Langkawi, were losing out to the likes of Phuket in Thailand because the latter does not “limit the fun” that tourists can take part in.

He added that certain quarters in the country have sought to equate “having fun” to something that is “immoral”.

This is why certain parties have “issues” with concerts by foreign artistes, the performing arts, fashion shows and beauty contests, despite their potential economic benefits, he said.

Zaid claimed that some Malaysians have been influenced by “religious preachers who want to ban everything enjoyable”, adding that this was unbecoming for a “country that describes itself as modern”.

“Why are we held hostage by those who wish to kill fun and by doing so, slowly decapitate our economy and tourism business?

“I suggest the Cabinet seriously consider pushing back this conservative thinking from taking a stronger hold in the country. Politicians should not be scared of reversing the preachers’ expanding influence. They need to fight back,” he said.

Zaid pointed out that even Saudi Arabia has made moves to modernise the country, knowing that its oil production would not last forever.

“They are catching up with other countries to develop the global business of tourism and sport. Of course, they are fortunate to have a visionary leader in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the kingdom’s prime minister.”

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