Sharing his thoughts: Anwar addressing the 78th United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York. — AFP
New York: Ongoing wars, humanitarian conflicts and climate crises affecting domestic situations are among the key points underscored by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his maiden address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He said the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict had radiated throughout the whole world where food prices skyrocketed and led to food shortages and hunger.
Condemning the Russian invasion of its neighbouring country, Ukraine, Anwar called for a concerted multilateral effort led by the United Nations in finding the solutions.
“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 while delivering Malaysia’s National Statement at the General Debate of the 78th Session of the UNGA in New York yesterday.
He also called out the international community for its “flagrant hypocrisy” in dealing with the never-ending issue revolving around Palestine.
“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,” he said.
“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.
Regionally, Anwar highlighted the role Malaysia has been playing in dealing with Myanmar crises through Asean’s five-point consensus.
In his 15-minute speech, Anwar also touched on climate issues.
“Even 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.
“As such, we have not a moment to lose,” he said, adding that Malaysia was doing its part by developing low-carbon and renewable energy roadmaps to implement mitigation and adaptation measures through the National Energy Transition Roadmap.
“We also urge the developed countries to fulfil their commitment of mobilising US$100bil 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.
Wearing a light blue baju Melayu complete with a gold-threaded sampin, Anwar also shared the Madani concept on the global platform, saying that it is a vision built on the pillars of core values to form a harmonious society.
“These basic principles and moral values also apply in the context of our relations with other countries,” he said.
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.
Among the Cabinet members seen attending the address were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
