PM: No double standard when it comes to human rights

JAKARTA: There should be no double standard when it comes to championing human rights and addressing conflicts including highlighting the rights of the Palestinians, says the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he stressed on the matter throughout the 43rd Asean Summit, when he met with all the dialogue partners, as well as urging 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 on that issue, they appeared to be silent and did not even touch on the rights of Palestinians.

“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 yesterday.

He added that a similar message was made to United Nations (UN) 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 later this month to discuss various pressing issues.

Anwar said he was informed that the Saudi Arabian government would also take a similar initiative to support the rights of the Palestinians during the United Nations General Assembly.

He has ordered Wisma Putra to give its fullest support on the matter.

“Along with Turkiye, 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,” said Anwar.

To a question if there was a need to review the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) aimed to bring peace and stability in Myanmar, Anwar said that there remained 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,” he added.

Anwar said although there were differences of opinions, the concept of centrality and neutrality must be maintained.

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

“We will discuss this with the Foreign Ministry, International Trade and Industry Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Department to make the preparations.

“Not only Asean, but this will involve other countries.

“And there is a need for us to give our best since Indonesia had successfully hosted the summit,” he added.

Indonesia yesterday officially handed over its Asean rotating chairmanship to Laos who will host the 2024 summit.