KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has proposed setting up a dedicated platform under the World Trade Organization (WTO) to assist member countries affected by disruptions to international maritime activities, says Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
He said the move is to speed up information sharing and consultation among affected member states, while coordinating appropriate measures to facilitate trade.
"Malaysia has also called for the full restoration of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, including the reactivation of its appellate body, and urged all members to fully implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)," he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 14).
Lukanisman said Malaysia’s experience in implementing the agreement could serve as a reference for other member states.
"Malaysia also supports a United Nations-led effort to establish a mechanism to verify and monitor ship movements and prevent conflicts at sea, facilitating the passage of vessels carrying essential supplies such as food and fertiliser," he said.
Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) had asked about the latest diplomatic efforts at the UN and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to push for a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid, protection of Palestinian civilians and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Lukanisman said Malaysia continued to use international platforms to keep Palestine a priority and pressure Israel to end its actions and illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.
At the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on Sept 26, Malaysia criticised the UN Security Council’s use of veto powers, which it said had prevented action over the situation in Gaza and Israel’s expanding occupation.
Malaysia also co-sponsored and attended a ministerial meeting of The Hague Group on Sept 25, alongside South Africa, with representatives from 40 countries discussing concrete measures to implement decisions by the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court concerning Israel.
The country also co-sponsored a ministerial meeting in support of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on Sept 24, renewing its long-term contribution of US$1 mil (about RM4.1mil) for 2026 to 2030, equivalent to US$200,000 (about RM816,400) annually.
At the OIC emergency foreign ministers’ meeting in Jeddah on Aug 27, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister also held bilateral talks with his Palestinian counterpart, with both sides urging OIC member states to take stronger collective action to defend Palestinian rights.
Lukanisman said international support for an independent Palestinian state was growing, with 160 UN member states having recognised Palestine.
"Malaysia will continue working with like-minded countries through regional and international platforms until Palestinians could live in peace, dignity and freedom in a sovereign state," he said.
