NEW YORK: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called for a concerted multilateral effort spearheaded by the United Nations to resolve all the conflicts and humanitarian crises in the world, citing the problems in Ukraine, Palestine, Afghanistan and Myanmar as some of these.
He said the world is deeply polarised where major power rivalry unfolds with consequences that would negatively impact nations, especially the smaller ones, in regions of conflict.
"The upshot is that we are confronted with a geopolitical and geostrategic dilemma. While the major powers continue to assure that a binary choice is not being imposed, the reality for many is that it is the only choice offered," he said.
Delivering Malaysia's National Statement at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations headquarters on Friday, Anwar said he was worried such a situation will ultimately lead once again to a world where the masses are unrepresented and where the few rule over the many.
Citing the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Anwar said it underscores the imperative to make peace and settle differences amicably through negotiations.
"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.
The prime minister said the world needs to find a solution to the conflict fast as the extent of the Ukraine conflict has radiated throughout the whole world, with food prices skyrocketing and leading to shortages and hunger, further malnutrition and despair.
Another conflict that continues to haunt the international community is Palestine where the politics of dispossession continues with a vengeance with more illegal settlements being built, stripping Palestinians of land that rightfully belongs to them, said Anwar.
"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 added.
On Afghanistan, Anwar said Malaysia remains deeply concerned with the dire humanitarian situation in the country where drought has continued for the third consecutive year.
The prime minister said Malaysia is committed to continuing its existing people-to-people relations with Afghanistan, including through the provision of humanitarian aid, but called on the authorities there 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 added.
Closer to home, Anwar said Malaysia is deeply horrified by the continued post-coup violence and instability in Myanmar.
According to him, the support of the international community, including the United Nations, is crucial to pressure the military authorities to reverse their course.
"In as much as 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.
Meanwhile, Anwar who is also the Finance Minister, also shared Malaysia's efforts in dealing with the climate crisis to achieve the 2030 Agenda, the country's roadmap under the Malaysia MADANI framework as well as several other global issues.
This is his first appearance as prime minister at the annual gathering.
This year's theme for the General Debate is "Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals Towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability For All".
The session was chaired by Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations, Datuk Dr Ahmad Faisal Muhamad.
Also present at the United Nations were his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa; and several members of parliament and government officials.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Sep 22 2023
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called for a concerted multilateral effort spearheaded by the United Nations to resolve all the conflicts and humanitarian crises in the world - Bernama
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.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.