Malaysia fortunate to have internationally-respected Foreign Minister - Ahmad Zahid

Ahmad Zahid said Anifah, a humble man with eastern values, had handled international issues well as Foreign Minister, making both Malaysia and Malaysians proud.

"In the Palestinian issue, he is the 'tiger' from Kimanis," he said in his speech at the opening of the UMNO Zone 3 Division Joint Conference held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bongawan near here today which covers the Kimanis, Papar and Beaufort divisions.

Also present were Sabah UMNO Liaison chairman Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Kimanis UMNO head who is Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman as well as the UMNO heads of Papar and Beaufort, Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail and Datuk Isnin Aliasni respectively.

Ahmad Zahid said Sabahans should be proud for having an international leader like Anifah who would be occupied with global issues so his time with the locals cannot be compared to other political leaders.

However, he said, Anifah had not neglected his duties as Kimanis member of Parliament but often 'whispered' to him (Ahmad Zahid) to also give attention to development in Kimanis.

At the event, Ahmad Zahid announced that he would continue with his fortnightly visits to Sabah which had been put on hold during the fasting month, so that he could show his support for Sabah UMNO and Barisan Nasional.

Ahmad Zahid also announced an allocation of RM1 million each for the Kimanis, Papar and Beaufort parliamentary constituencies and the installation of air-conditioners in the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bongawan hall.