Malaysia will vie for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in order to play a prominent role in regional peace and international security through Kuala Lumpur's policy of moderation as reflected in the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM) concept pushed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
As an independent nation, Malaysia will continue to advocate the agenda for global peace and prosperity through moderation, thus diminishing the influence of extremists to cause damage to international peace, cultural understanding, and inter-faith harmony.
These are contained in the Barisan National (BN) manifesto themed 'A Promise of Hope' unveiled by Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight, ahead of the upcoming 13th general election. Najib had announced the dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat on April 3.
Featuring a list of commitments if BN is accorded another five-year mandate, the manifesto said the coalition will also fight for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
In addition, the BN intends to spearhead humanitarian outreach programmes in conflict areas like Gaza, the West Bank, southern Thailand, Mindanao and elsewhere.
The manifesto also contained BN's commitment to formulate a foreign policy which supports Malaysia's strategic political, economic and security interests, as well as enhance the country's economic and bilateral interests with major trading partners and emerging economies.
There is also the pledge that Malaysia will support the realisation of Asean as an economic community by 2015 and take the lead in fighting transnational crimes such as human and drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the manifesto mentioned that the GMM had received endorsement from the AsiaEurope Meeting (ASEM), the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and Asean.
It also alluded to the Malaysia-brokered framework agreement inked between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Oct 15 last year, to end a four-decade conflict in the southern Philippines -- a testament to the force of moderation over extremism.
The document further stated that BN-ruled Malaysia had assisted the Thai government in stabilising security and improving socio-economic development through bilateral cooperation in southern parts of the neighbouring country.
Another feather in the BN's cap is the setting up of the first overseas branch campus of China's Xiamen University and the launch of the Malaysia-China Kuantan industrial Park, further cementing ties between the two countries.
Malaysia also notched another achievement with the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with India, involving total trade of US$15 billion (RM45.9 billion) in efforts to boost trade and investments with the South Asian giant.
Bernama
Sat Apr 06 2013
Israel pounds Beirut and Gaza after rockets hit Israel's north
A drone was launched at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's holiday home.
Elon Musk promises to award $1 mil each day to a signer of his petition
He awarded a $1 million check to an attendee of his event in Pennsylvania aimed at rallying supporters behind Donald Trump.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Zayn Malik postpones US tour dates after One Direction bandmate Liam Payne's death
Payne, 31, died on Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, shocking fans of the boy band.
Why voters in a handful of swing states will decide the US presidential election
The contest will almost certainly be decided by just tens of thousands of voters a tiny fraction of the populace in a handful of states.
INSIGHT - Sudan's war risks 'lost generation' of children
A devastating crisis is unfolding in Sudan, where the most vulnerable members of society children are bearing the brunt of the violence.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.