KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had introduced the concept of “Malaysia MADANI” as one of the national statements delivered at the General Debate of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) New York, United States on Friday.
Prime Minister Anwar said, “Malaysia MADANI” is a vision built on the pillars of core values that are indispensable in any harmonious, thriving, and peaceful society. It consists of Compassion, Respect, Trust, Innovation, Prosperity, and Sustainability.
“These basic principles and moral values also apply in the context of our relations with other countries. Whether it is G7, G20, G77, APEC, or the world’s largest FTA, there is no denying that multilateral collaboration is the sine qua non for any effective and sustainable resolution to the crises that the world is beset with.
“In this regard, it bears stressing that Malaysia’s commitment to the UN and the multilateral system is borne out of the strong conviction that all countries, no matter how big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, have a common responsibility towards creating a better world for tomorrow,” said Anwar at 78th UNGA, New York, live telecast on TV1 Friday evening.
Anwar also mentioned that lofty ideals and principles enshrined in the UN Charter call upon nations to resolve their disputes through peaceful means, and refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.
“We condemn unequivocally the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This conflict in Ukraine, for example, underscores the imperative to make peace and settle differences amicably through negotiations. Nevertheless, time is not on our side, and owing to the protracted failure to deal with this Russian- Ukraine crisis, I urge for a concerted multilateral effort led by the UN to resolve this.
“We cannot choose our neighbours, but we can choose to live in peace with them. And peace cannot happen without the cessation of hostilities by all parties. It is imperative for all parties to return to dialogue and resolve their differences through the negotiation table,” he said.
Anwar added, in the Middle East, the politics of dispossession continues with a vengeance with more illegal settlements being built, stripping Palestinians of land that rightfully belongs to them. This constitutes a gross violation of international law. It also poses an insurmountable obstacle to a two-state solution, not to mention the continued killings.
“There is also flagrant hypocrisy in dealing with the issue of Palestine. The international community must speak up against the atrocities committed towards the Palestinians even as they so vehemently speak out against human rights violations, injustice and abusive regimes,” he reiterated.
Malaysia remains deeply concerned with the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan especially the country is grappling with its third consecutive year of drought and a devastating locust infestation that severely undermined wheat harvests.
“Malaysia is committed to continue its existing people-to-people relations with Afghanistan, including through the provision of humanitarian aid. However, we remain resolute and firm in our call on the authority of Afghanistan to reverse their exclusionary and discriminatory policies against women and girls.
“Denying their right to go to school is a violation of the teachings of Islam, not to mention the United Nations Charter and the multilateral framework of human rights. They are also profoundly detrimental to the future of Afghanistan,” he said.
According to Anwar the continued post coup violence and instability in Myanmar is currently among Southeast Asia’s biggest strategic and humanitarian challenges in recent years.
“The barbarism and depravity inflicted upon the people of Myanmar is indefensible, and goes against the values and principles shared by the peoples in the region and globally. The support of the international community, including the United Nations, is crucial to urge continuously and maintain the necessary pressure on the military authorities to reverse their course.
“The principle of ASEAN centrality dictates that the continued atrocities must end, Malaysia calls on Myanmar to immediately implement the ASEAN five-point consensus towards achieving peace and stability in the country,” he said.
Malaysia is seeing an increase in the adverse impacts of climate change, with increasing temperature, rising sea levels, intensified monsoons, and erratic weather patterns disrupting livelihoods and degrading local ecosystems.
“Malaysia is doing its part by developing low carbon and renewable energy roadmaps to implement mitigating and adaptation strategies. The newly launched National Energy Transition Roadmap should aid us in achieving our NDCs, as well as lighting the path towards our net zero aspirations.
“Discussions on climate ambition in the absence of equity, justice, and the necessary means to assist and empower countries to undertake greater climate action is an exercise in futility.
“We also urge the developed countries to fulfil their commitment of mobilising USD100 billion a year to support climate ambition endeavours of developing countries while recognising that trillions of dollars per annum will be needed in the near future,” he said.
Anwar stressed that Malaysia is concerned over the emergence of a “new form of racism” characterised by xenophobia, negative profiling and stereotyping of Muslims. This is manifested in an alarming trend of hatred, intolerance, and acts of violence against Muslims and their sanctities.
“We are appalled by the legitimisation of these acts under the feeble defence of human rights. Quran burnings are nothing but a clear Islamophobic act intended to incite hatred. Inaction in the face of such blatant provocation to a religion is simply irresponsible and sends a dangerous message to humanity.
“We must embody the values of acceptance, tolerance and mutual respect. We must promote inter-cultural, inter-civilisation, and inter-religious understanding and cooperation. We must unite our faiths in common cause to promote understanding and goodwill among our peoples, and strengthen peace and harmony among nations,” Anwar reiterated. –Malaysia World News
