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NEW YORK – Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on member nations of the United Nations (UN) to put to practical use the principles enshrined in the UN Charter to help resolve disputes through peaceful means.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) here, he said that there is a need to refrain from resorting to threats or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.
Referring to tensions in the South China Sea, which is reportedly subjected to increasing encroachment by China and presence of the US, he shared that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is “navigating” the rivalry between major powers in Asia-Pacific.
“Malaysia believes that any strategy undertaken should neither start nor exacerbate a race for dominance,” he said.
“Instead, such strategies should contribute to peace and stability, security and prosperity in the region.”
‘Binary choice’ for smaller nations
Anwar lamented that we are living in a deeply polarised world that bears adverse impact on smaller countries – contributing to a major dilemma.
“We are seeing major power rivalry unfolding, with consequences that would negatively impact nations, especially the smaller ones, in the 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.
“Unchecked, this will ultimately lead once again to a world where the masses are unrepresented, where the few rule over the many, and the many resent the few.”
Anwar said this in his address from the main podium during the general debate of the 78th session of the assembly in the UN headquarters here.
‘Minilateralism’ and shattering of UN vision
In the above vein, he took major powers and “those that aspire to greater international status” of increasingly casting the UN aside. This is particularly so as they opt for smaller, supposedly more efficacious platforms.
“As the powers that be continue to pay lip service to the imperative of multilateralism, we see the emergence of minilateralism instead, effectively becoming fragmented configurations of power,” he said.
Anwar lamented that this trend risks running counter to the original aspirations of the UN, which was established in October 1945.
“By giving equal voice to the sovereign nations of the world, the founders of the United Nations pursued a vision of a more democratic world, predicated on the dictates of equity and justice.
“This was a vision that consigned to the past the predations of the strong over the weak, of the rich and powerful over the poor, and the marginalised, and of the big powers over the rest.
“That vision has, in my opinion, been utterly shattered to pieces.”
‘Cannot choose neighbours but can live peacefully’
Anwar also cited the conflict in Ukraine as an example. He said it underscores how imperative it is to make peace and settle differences amicably through negotiations.
“Nevertheless, time is not on our side, and owing to the protracted failure to deal with this Russia-Ukraine crisis, I urge for a concerted multilateral effort led by the UN to resolve this,” he said.
“We cannot choose our neighbours, but we can choose to live in peace with them,” he stressed.
“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.”
The impact of the situation in Ukraine has, in fact, radiated throughout the world as food prices skyrocket, leading to shortages and hunger, further malnutrition, and despair, he added.
As in other conflicts elsewhere, be it in the Middle East or Southeast Asia, forced migrations take place, piling on the problems of refugees and statelessness.
He thus urged the international community to speak up against the atrocities committed towards Palestinians, while speaking out against human rights violations, injustice and abusive regimes.
For women and girls of Afghanistan
Touching on Afghanistan, which is ruled by the Islamist hardline Taliban regime since the US evacuated in August 2021, Anwar said Malaysia is resolute and firm in calling on the authority 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,” he said.
“They are also profoundly detrimental to the future of Afghanistan.”
He shared similar sentiments on the continued post-coup violence and instability in Myanmar.
Stressing that Malaysia is “horrified”, he described the situation there as among Southeast Asia’s biggest strategic and humanitarian challenges in recent years.
“The barbarism and depravity inflicted upon the people of Myanmar is indefensible, and goes against the values and principles shared by the peoples in the region and globally.
“The support of the international community, including the United Nations, is crucial to urge continuously and maintain the necessary pressure on 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.
Anwar also condemned the burning of the Quran, describing the act as “a clear Islamophobic act intended to incite hatred”.
“Inaction in the face of such blatant provocation to a religion is simply irresponsible and sends a dangerous message to humanity.” – The Vibes, September 22, 2023