Malaysia calls on Asean, China to work on boosting multilateralism, reforming UN


KUALA LUMPUR: Asean and China could work together on boosting multilateralism, especially in reforming the United Nations, to ensure the international body remains effective and relevant amid the evolving global dynamics.

In saying this, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob stressed that a world order based on multilateralism is vital.

"Such an order would enable sustainable and peaceful co-existence of civilisations that are rules-based, open, inclusive and transparent,” he said.

He said this while speaking in his intervention note at the Asean-China Special Summit to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Asean-China Dialogue Relations held via video conference from here on Monday (Nov 22).

The Special Summit was chaired by Brunei's Ruler Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as his country is the chair to this year's Asean event. It was also attended by China's President Xi Jinping.

Asean and China being fully aware of the need for peace and stability to attain economic development and civilised life were encouraged by the constructive tone of Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden’s virtual meeting last week.

"China-US bilateral relations are among the most consequential in the world. While differences remain, Malaysia welcomes recognition of the collective responsibilities that both countries have towards maintaining peace, development and social progress,” he said.

On climate change, Ismail Sabri said Malaysia aspired to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050 at the earliest and welcomed commitments made by China and other parties at the COP-26 (2021 UN Climate Change Conference) in Glasgow, Scotland recently.

He stressed upon the need to balance between addressing climate change and the importance of socio-economic development, through the UNFCCC (UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) and Paris Agreement.

"We applaud China’s call for developed countries to fulfil their obligations by providing finance, technology transfer and capacity building to developing countries in their efforts towards addressing climate change,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri also reiterated Malaysia's firm position on the South China Sea issue, which has to be resolved peacefully and constructively in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the SEA (UNCLOS) 1982.

Malaysia calls on all countries to remain committed towards maintaining the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and trade, and to this end, all parties should exercise self-restraint and avoid actions that may be deemed provocative, which could further complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the area.

He added that Malaysia underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in its entirety, and the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. - Bernama

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Europe cyber attacks a timely lesson for Malaysia’s food supply chain, says expert
Cheras cops nab man accused of slapping, threatening victim with knife
Traffic smooth on all major highways tonight, says LLM
AGC to seek review of Da'i Syed's acquittal on rape charge
Use Deepavali celebration to foster peace, harmony, Anwar urges Malaysians
Speaker admonishes administration members over Dewan Rakyat absences, skipped questions
Settle differences in Cabinet, not on campaign trail, Anwar tells unity govt leaders
Heavy rain, damaged drains caused flash floods at UiTM Puncak Alam
US Senate election results offer lesson against prejudice, says Anwar
Visit Sungai Kereh before demanding pig farm closures, Exco tells Wan Saiful

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read