KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia ushers in the New Year 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Cabinet members have expressed renewed hopes and a firm commitment to continue strengthening public well-being and safeguarding national stability amid evolving challenges.
Ahmad Zahid, in his New Year message posted on Facebook, called for the continued preservation of values such as togetherness, mutual respect and a shared resolve to build a more prosperous future for the benefit of religion, race and the nation.
He said the new year represents a fresh chapter for all Malaysians to move forward with greater achievements and progress, despite the challenges and opportunities that accompany each passing year.
“Alhamdulillah, the new year arrives as a new chapter for all of us to move forward with greater achievements and successes. I pray that 2026 will bring well-being and prosperity to all Malaysians,” he said.
In line with efforts to enhance public health, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said 2026 would mark a crucial phase in further strengthening reforms within the national healthcare system.
“2026 is the year for us to reinforce reforms with discipline and determination to build a healthcare system that is efficient, resilient and future-proof,” he said.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Home Ministry would continue to intensify reforms, improve efficiency and refine approaches grounded in humanitarian values, justice and integrity to support the aspirations of the MADANI Government.
He said that as the country enters 2026, the ministry would sustain the momentum of reform with a stronger resolve to reinforce public confidence in the government while ensuring that every mandate is implemented professionally and with integrity.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, meanwhile, urged Malaysians to welcome the new year with optimism and renewed spirit, while underscoring the importance of unity and sustained efforts to build a nation that is progressive, inclusive and resilient.
Touching on rapidly changing global dynamics, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang called on all parties to face the future with confidence, wisdom and a collective spirit.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said 2025 marked significant milestones in legal and institutional reforms, including efforts to strengthen parliamentary independence and expand access to justice under the MADANI Government.
“As we move into 2026, these efforts will be further reinforced and accelerated with a strong focus on effective implementation and reforms that deliver tangible benefits to the people and future generations, including the tabling of the Malaysian Ombudsman Bill, the Freedom of Information Bill and the Political Financing Bill,” she said.
On matters of spirituality and social harmony, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said Malaysia remained stable, peaceful and harmonious throughout 2025, recording notable achievements, including international recognition in the management of Islamic affairs.
He said these achievements encompassed the management of hajj operations, halal certification, Islamic finance, as well as the continued strengthening of zakat, waqf and Islamic education.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sim called for the tourism, arts and culture sectors to be further strengthened as drivers of economic growth and national unity, in tandem with Malaysia’s entry into Visit Malaysia 2026, while positioning the country as a competitive tourism destination on the international stage.
Other ministers who also conveyed New Year messages via social media platforms included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
-- BERNAMA
