IPOH, Oct 2 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he was not offended or slighted by criticism over his speech in English at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States. 

Zahid said it would be more embarrassing if someone was born and raised in Malaysia but unable to speak the national language even after 25 years although some foreigners who came to work here can pick up the language within one or two months.

"As a Malaysian we must understand that when we are born here this is where we belong,” he said when closing the Ipoh Barat Umno division delegates meeting here today.

Ahmad Zahid had led a Malaysian delegation to the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly last month, where he had delivered a powerful message, raising concerns about terrorism, Palestine and the resettlement of refugees and migrants.

However, critics had questioned his command of English during the speech. — Bernama