KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today vowed that Malaysia’s courts and institutions would not be used as political tools if Barisan Nasional (BN) returns to Putrajaya.

Zahid said the pledge was part of BN’s proposed “Agenda Malaysia Biru”, a roadmap of eight initiatives aimed at shaping the country as it approaches its centenary of independence.

“We want the people to trust the courts and not have the courts exploited. Investors should trust the regulations. Civil servants should trust the system and not be haunted by threats.

“And whoever forms the Government, state institutions must not be used as tools for political interests,” he said in his policy speech at Umno’s general assembly here.

Zahid said the initiative aimed to place Malaysia among the world’s top 20 countries in terms of integrity, governance and the rule of law.

“We want rule of law, not rule by law. Good governance is not merely a slogan in a manifesto.

“Instead, it is the belief that power is used as a trust and not as a means for oppression,” he said.

He said the agenda would be implemented if BN and Umno were given the mandate to lead Putrajaya again, with its eight initiatives focused on strengthening national wealth, human capital, ownership, well-being, crisis preparedness, public protection, institutional trust and national interests.

The agenda is built around four broad aspirations — a sovereign and united Malaysia; an innovative, high-income nation; a prosperous and equitable society; and a country that is respected and outstanding on the world stage.

Zahid said the initiatives were intended to guide Malaysia towards its centenary of independence while addressing the country’s economic, social and governance priorities.