PM questions inaction amid violation of UN resolutions

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 — Malaysia has been making optimal use of the global stage and international platforms to urge the world to recognise the state of Palestine and expel Israel from the United Nations (UN), the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had even brought Malaysia’s voice and firm stance on the matter to the recently concluded Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Peru, the G20 Summit in Brazil, and the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“We (Malaysia) have been highly vocal. I even proposed to other countries to consider expelling Israel from the UN… we even brought up the issue of Gaza in front of President Joe Biden (of America), President Xi Jinping (of China), and other world leaders.

“During the G20 Summit in Brazil, we also opposed the current UN stance and called for world governance reform, specifically for the UN and the veto power not to be limited to the current (Permanent Five) members, but expanded to include powers such as representatives from Latin America and South Africa.

“How is it that we accept the UN but allow and do nothing when (member) countries violate all of the UN’s and its Security Council’s resolutions? These countries, in particular Israel, should be expelled,” he said during Minister’s Question Time.

Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia’s stance on several international issues, including the conflict in Gaza and reforms within the UN, does not affect its strong trade relations with the US. 

He said Malaysia remains firm in its foreign policy, which upholds the freedom to advocate for rights that reflect the sentiments of its people, including maintaining the “principle of centrality”, as it assumes its Asean leadership next year.

“Our good relations with the US and Europe will continue. They cannot deny us our rights. We are taking the necessary steps to maintain strong ties.

“We have good relations with President Biden and also with President-elect Donald Trump. However, we must also express the conscience of Malaysians. We take an independent approach and support free trade, which does not hinder our trade relations with China and Russia.

“We must act wisely to sustain good diplomatic relations,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time (MQT) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman on how Malaysia plans to balance its relations with the US under President-elect Trump’s leadership, given its close ties with Palestinian, Russian, and Chinese leaders.

— Bernama