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 overall economic costs.

“We need to re-look the national budget and the 13MP and take into account these new facts,” he said during the BN Forum Series 10 today, 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 pandemic and 1997 financial crisis, to deal with the impending predicament.

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

He also said Malaysia’s neutral stand on the Middle East conflict was 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 said Malaysia’s impartial approach was the right step to ensure that the country’s interests continue to be prioritised.