Come back after graduating, Zahid urges M'sian students in NZ

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged Malaysian students studying in New Zealand to return home and serve the country after completing their studies.

While he acknowledged that salaries in Malaysia might be lower compared to countries like the South Pacific nation, he stressed the importance of their services to fuel the country’s growth and economy.

“I urge you to come home, especially those in engineering, law, and accounting.

“I know salaries in Malaysia may be lower compared to New Zealand, but remember, east or west, home is best,” Bernama reported him as saying today.

Zahid said this during a gathering involving over 250 Malaysian students and residents in New Zealand.

Also present were Malaysia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki, along with other official delegates and senior Malaysian government officers.

On July 10, DAP senator Dr A Lingeshwaran raised red flags over Singapore’s aggressive recruitment of Malaysian doctors, warning Malaysia risks a deepening brain drain unless urgent reforms are made.

Citing an open interview session to be held in Kuala Lumpur by Singapore’s Health Ministry next month, the former Sungai Bakap Hospital director revealed that Malaysian doctors are being enticed with annual remuneration packages of up to RM385,000, plus accommodation and a host of perks.

He urged Malaysia’s Health Ministry to urgently reform the healthcare system to restore trust and confidence among medical professionals, stressing that retaining local talent is now a race against time.

Learn from local communities

Meanwhile, Zahid urged Malaysian students abroad to not only focus on academic matters but also engage with the local communities to foster cross-cultural understanding.

He stressed that the involvement in local communities and understanding their cultures are vital for nurturing well-rounded and reputable graduates.

“Don’t just learn from inside the lecture rooms, tutorials, or professors’ offices.

“We should also introduce ourselves to the local communities and learn their cultures, especially the Maori culture here, which is rich with historical values and a spirit of resilience,” he added.

Touching on the Maori community, the Bagan Datuk MP expressed his admiration for their strong identity and spirit, highlighting their success in preserving cultural heritage while managing community economic assets through their trust agencies since the 19th century.

“I would like to congratulate the Maori leaders and community here.

“We need to learn from their spirit and strength in fighting for their rights and adapt that to the Malaysian context, especially in empowering the Orang Asli communities,” he added.

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