International community should abide to UN principles - Anifah

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said the international community should not be unashamedly silent on Israel while passionately take on other regimes in a discriminatory approach.

"Malaysia reiterates the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people to establish an independent and sovereign State of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital," he said.

Anifah said this in his speech during the Annual Coordination Meeting of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers held on the sidelines of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, yesterday.

The foreign minister said Malaysia commended the efforts undertaken by the OIC member states, particularly its various contributions in support of the Palestinian cause under the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF).

"Since 1976 until 2017, the total amount of contributions to support Palestine and its people, had reached more than USD 26 million. Indeed, this reflects the commitment and steadfastness of the OIC and its member states in supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people," he said.

On another note, Anifah said Malaysia was gravely concerned at the indiscriminate violence perpetrated against the Rohingyas in Rakhine State since Aug 25, 2017, which had resulted in the tragic loss of countless innocent lives.

"I would like to take this opportunity to commend the noble efforts of Bangladesh to address the plight of the Rohingyas. In this regard, I call upon all OIC member states to continue to extend assistance to the Rohingyas," he added.

He also called upon the Myanmar government to end the violence and allow immediate and unimpeded access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Anifah said the OIC member countries should stand together in condemning the heinous and abhorrent acts of violence and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

"We must deny them sanctuary and resources in the global fight against the Daesh," he said.

The OIC member countries should also endeavour to make the OIC a platform to unite the Muslim ummah and maintain the spirit of fraternity and solidarity, Anifah said.

"As a founding member of the Organisation, Malaysia believes in the noble objectives of the OIC, in contributing to international peace and security.

"In this connection, we will continue to play our role as the facilitator for the peace process in southern Thailand and southern Philippines. It is our hope that our involvement in resolving these conflicts will contribute to the security and stability of the region," he concluded.