- Photo: Bernama
RIO DE JANEIRO: The veto power wielded by the Permanent Five (P5) countries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) should be reformed to be more inclusive, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"The current arrangement is grossly unfair. There needs to be representation from Latin America and Africa,” the Prime Minister said, adding that discussions regarding reforms of the United Nations (UN) have been ongoing for over five decades.
"We are discussing the reform of the institution of the United Nations. We're discussing ideals, humanity and humanitarian values. We're discussing representation. There's no representation from Africa, no representation for Latin America, who cares?
"Therefore, they must consider adequate democratic representation from the regions of Latin America and Africa. It’s grossly unfair to continue UNSC by excluding them," he said during the second session of the "Reform of the Institutions of Global Governance" at the G20 Summit on Monday (Nov 19).
The five permanent members of the Security Council, also known as the Big Five or P5, are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Anwar emphasised that any call for the reform of the UN must include principles of representation.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, besides meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Minister also held a pull-aside meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa here on Monday.
The discussion with Ramaphosa focused on enhancing bilateral ties in the areas of diplomacy, education, trade and investment.
Anwar's conversation with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, also revolved around strengthening bilateral ties and furthering collaboration between both countries.
"He invited me to visit the UK. We are looking into it,” said Anwar.
Anwar said his discussion with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, meanwhile, touched on Asean, particularly the Asean Power Grid from Vietnam, through Peninsular Malaysia to Singapore.
"Vietnam supports this initiative,” he said. – Bernama
