Climate change bites: Birds flocking to the Timah Tasoh dam in Padang Besar, Perlis, to look for food as the water recedes. The water supply at the dam is currently limited to domestic use and is expected to last for only another three months if the dry weather continues. — Bernama
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Malaysia will use the Asean platform to advocate for a stronger push to tackle climate change when it assumes the association’s chairmanship next year, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister said climate change is posing a greater threat to the region, so sustainability has to transcend national boundaries.
“All nations must come together to forge new, more sustainable ways for development and commerce,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Youth Sustainability Forum 2024 here yesterday.
Nik Nazmi said Malaysia was among the founding members of Asean when regional leaders forged the Bangkok Declaration in 1967 at the height of the Cold War.
Despite numerous challenges and triumphs, South-East Asia has largely remained a region of peace, progress and neutrality, thanks to the vision of its members and their willingness to pursue harmony in diversity, he added.
“Today, we face challenges of a different kind, though no less stern. Geopolitical conflict rubs shoulders with climate change... as threats to nations and regions alike.
“In the face of this, I will argue that Asean is an undeveloped and untapped platform that we ought to utilise to face these challenges,” he said.
Nik Nazmi said Asean is home to more than 650 million people, and economic gravity is shifting towards Asia, with South-East Asia at the forefront.
He said the natural resources and manufacturing potential necessary to power new economic paradigms were found in abundance within its shores.
“Despite its rich economic potential, it would come to naught if countries do not face down the threat of climate change.
“Just as Malaysia embraced, upheld and led Asean in navigating the Cold War and its aftermath, we believe that it must step up to help South-East Asia meet the challenge of climate change,” he added.
Nik Nazmi said Malaysia is committed to working closely with its Asean neighbours to create a regional framework for sustainability that leverages their collective strengths.
He said that while the country acknowledged the severe effects of climate change already being felt across South-East Asia, it also emphasised the urgent need for the region to present a united front on the global stage to address the crisis.
“Malaysia sees its role as a bridge to connect the diverse cultures and perspectives of Asean, and fostering a shared vision for a sustainable future.
“By embracing our diversity and working in harmony, we can pioneer new pathways to sustainability that will benefit generations to come,” he added.
