KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that even though there are differences in opinions among the ASEAN countries, the consensus that has been agreed together is that the region should remain united, peaceful, and neutral.
Anwar said the closing of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta (Thursday) was not the end of the efforts to develop the region but instead, it demanded leaders continue working hard to find solutions to issues that have been raised besides being together in relation to cooperation in opportunities that could be explored in future.
“Malaysia should consistently voice out opinions on the Palestinians’ future as the world seems only to pay attention to the conflict and the war between Ukraine and Russia and simultaneously a gap exists or bias in the issue,” Anwar said in a post on his Facebook.
Meanwhile, earlier Anwar raised his worries about the crisis in Myanmar that had opened opportunities to criminal syndicates to enhance their activities.
The Prime Minister brought up the issues of Myanmar to the United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Antonio Guterres at the bilateral meeting during the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
“Our discussions are focused on issues of mutual interest including the ASEAN-UN cooperation, and issues concerning Palestine and Myanmar.
“I have also repeated Malaysia’s commitment to cooperate closely with the UN and ASEAN, especially in the efforts to find solutions on the Myanmar crisis.
“While attending the ASEAN-UN Summit, I repeated my disappointment on the low meaningful development in the implementation of the 5PC.
“On the same platform, I have expressed my appreciation to the former UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to Myanmar for his efforts that had been implemented,” Anwar said.
Anwar however said the roles of the UN are important pertaining to issues in ASEAN to ensure the peacefulness of this region is preserved.
Earlier the prime minister had mentioned the cooperation that should be increased in the economic integration, digital economy, and climate change at the ASEAN-Australia Summit in conjunction with the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
Anwar said, he urged the dialogue partners to embrace the opportunities to strengthen multilateralism and to fight for peaceful culture, stability and prosperity based on diplomacy and cooperation via various international platforms.
The prime minister however believes that these efforts could enhance the motivation source in elevating the relations and cooperation between the related parties.
“I took the opportunity to welcome the 50th anniversary of the dialogue relations between ASEAN-Australia on 2024 that will be highlighted with the organization of the ASEAN-Australia Summit on 4-6 March 2024 to be held in Melbourne, Australia.
Meanwhile at the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) held in conjunction with the 43rd ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Anwar urged the international community to avoid confusion, and discrimination in handling conflicts and the people’s sufferings in Palestine.
“In my speech, I have requested the dialogue partners to use their authority in the best possible ways and not to touch on racism, Islamophobia, and Xenophobia that could not be accepted and should be condemned strongly.
“The meeting had also discussed the needs for the EAS country participant (EPCs) to strengthen their commitments towards the basic EAS principles.
“On the South China Sea, I have repeated Malaysia’s commitment to solving the dispute in a peaceful manner following the international law including UNCLOS 1982,’’ Anwar said. –Malaysia World News
