There should be no double standards with human rights, says Anwar at Asean Summit

JAKARTA: There should be no double standards when it comes to addressing conflicts and championing human rights like that of Palestinians, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said that he had stressed the matter throughout the 43rd Asean Summit when he met with all the dialogue partners, as well as calling them to reject Islamophobia.

"While they oppose the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the plights of the Palestinians should also be voiced out.

"But it seems that on the same issue, they appear to be silent and do not even touch on the Palestinian rights.

"We voiced out sternly and we respect the rights of the Palestinians based on the values of humanity and human rights," he told the media after the conclusion of his official visit at the 43rd Asean Summit here on Thursday (Sept 7).

He added that a similar message was shared with the United Nations' secretary-general Antonio Guterres and he would convey it to the world body.

World leaders, including Anwar and delegates, are expected to gather at the United Nations headquarters in New York to discuss various pressing issues in coming September.

Anwar said that he was informed that the Saudi government would also take a similar initiative to support the rights of the Palestinians during the United Nations General Assembly, and he had ordered Wisma Putra to give its fullest support on the matter.

"Along with the Turkiye government, we will help organise the meet around the same time in New York, to raise awareness on racial extremism and prejudice against any religion, particularly Islamophobia," added Anwar.

Asked if there was a need to review the Five Point Consensus (5PC) aimed to bring peace and stability to Myanmar, he said that there was still a consensus not to review the matter.

"So far, on the 5PC, we still have a consensus and there is no need for a review.

"Although we cannot deny any other initiatives to discuss with Myanmar, it is subject to all the principles within the 5PC," Anwar added.

The Prime Minister said although there were differences of opinion, the concept of centrality and neutrality must be maintained.

On Malaysia's chairmanship in 2025 after Laos, he said that the matter would be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting.

"We will discuss between the Foreign Ministry, International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) and the Prime Minister's Department to make the preparations.

"Not only Asean, but this will involve other big countries.

"And there is a need for us to give our best since Indonesia has managed it well and hosted it successfully," said Anwar.

Indonesia on Thursday (Sept 7) officially handed over its rotating Asean chairmanship to Laos who would be hosting the 2024 summit.

Laos would then pass the baton to Malaysia to be the group’s chair in 2025.