Relentless pursuit of Gaza issue

Power lunch: Anwar and other world leaders attending the informal dialogue and working lunch in San Francisco. — Bernama

SAN FRANCISCO: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been vocal about the bloodbath that is happening in the Gaza Strip amid Israel’s relentless air and ground attacks during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings.

The latest was at an informal dialogue and working lunch, where he described the happenings in Gaza as “clearly an abandonment of moral responsibility”.

“This allows massive destruction to happen and result in climate calamity,” he said at the event, which was also attended by US President Joe Biden and other leaders of Apec member economies, reported Bernama.

Since his presence in San Francisco for the Apec Economic Leaders’ Week, Anwar had been highlighting the situation in Palestine.

“The humanitarian crisis in Palestine is poised to affect not just Palestine or the broader Middle East, but will also leave an imprint on global relations for many years to come,” he said.

At another event earlier in the week, the Prime Minister had described what was happening in Gaza as “blatant violations of international law”.

According to reports, the attacks have killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, including over 7,800 women and children, while more than 29,000 others have been injured to date.

On another issue, Anwar said developed nations need to do more, to bear responsibility and assist developing countries in energy transition.

Currently, developing and emerging economies are not getting the right support from developed nations required for the energy transition, he said.

“Ensuring a fair and equitable transition is crucial,” he added.

Malaysia, Anwar said, is one of only 17 recognised mega-diverse countries – a critical position in pursuing global sustainability and fight against climate change.

“Malaysia produces 0.658% of global greenhouse emissions. But climate change raises the risk of displacing up to a quarter of our population if little or nothing is done,” he said.

He said Putrajaya is transforming its economy and investing in a cleaner, greener future, including through the National Energy Transition Roadmap.

The national oil company PETRONAS has also committed to a clear pathway towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, he added.

Meanwhile, Anwar commended Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Apec, adding that China-US engagement is key to the future of Apec.