NEW YORK: Sixty-five years ago, a leader by the name of Ismail created history as the first Malaysian to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in the United States clad in baju Melayu. He was Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, the first Malaysian envoy to the US and representative to the UN.

Also clad in baju Melayu and a keris, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob created another history as the first Malaysian Prime Minister to deliver the National Statement at the assembly in Malaysia's national language, Bahasa Melayu.

The theme chosen for this year’s session of the UN General Assembly is “A Watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges”.

International Monetary and Financial System: Tackling inflation

In an interconnected world, the policies and decisions of some countries can affect other nations. For example, in tackling inflation that the world is suffering from, the monetary policy and determining of interest rates by one country also has an impact on other countries.

“In this connection, Malaysia urges the UN Member States to establish an International Monetary Cooperation Mechanism to build a more effective and just system that is able to balance the needs of global development,'' said Ismail Sabri.

Global Conflicts: Tackling global poverty

Peace and stability are crucial in overcoming every major challenge of today; whether it is the climate change crisis, global poverty or the lasting effects of the pandemic. In facing this, Malaysia calls on all countries to emphasise the issue of food security to guarantee sufficient food resources for all.

The Situation in Ukraine: Peace can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiation

The price to be paid for a war is high. This is proven by the situation experienced by Ukraine. The effects are felt not only by the people and the country but also by the world. Malaysia welcomes the creation of the sea route corridor that allows for the shipment of grain from Ukraine. This is a positive step in addressing the food security problem.

Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Israel needs to stop being an Apartheid entity

Malaysia is disappointed with the brutal occupation by Israel that has been going on for a long time. The Palestinian people continue to live under the shackles of Israel's discriminatory policies. Illegal settlements are becoming more widespread.“

Therefore, Malaysia is of the view that the major powers need to be honest in resolving the issue of cruelty faced by the Palestinian people” said the Prime Minister.

The Situation in Myanmar: Increase of Myanmar refugees

The political crisis in Myanmar has also worsened the situation of millions of Myanmar refugees, including the Rohingya refugees. 

It is the responsibility of all countries, including the countries participating in the convention, to take in more refugees to be resettled in their respective countries. 

“Malaysia is disappointed that there is no meaningful progress in the implementation of the ASEAN 'Five Point Consensus’ especially by the Myanmar junta. In its current form, the ASEAN 'Five Point Consensus’ cannot continue any longer. Therefore, this consensus needs to be given a new lease of life and refined based on a clearer framework,” said the Prime Minister.

Reform of the United Nations: Abolish the veto power

The Prime Minister said the conflict and crises plaguing the world today, including in Ukraine, Palestine and Myanmar cannot be resolved due to flaws in the global governance system and the United Nations itself.“

The biggest problem in the UN is the Security Council. The veto power is often abused to side with the world powers who possess it.” he said at the 77th United Nations General Assembly.

In line with the principle of one country one vote, now is the time to abolish the veto power. As an organisation that brings the spirit and symbol of democracy to the world, the UN needs to return to its foundation.

Climate Action: Lend a helping hand by increasing aid

The Prime Minister also spoke on climate change, touching on how it had impacted Malaysia. He related how the floods at the end of last year, considered as the most serious in history, had resulted in losses amounting to US$1.4 billion.

Developed countries shoulder the responsibility to increase aid to developing nations by fulfilling their commitment to prepare an allocation of US$100bil (RM458bil) a year, without any conditions.

Sustainable Development: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 together

New technology is an incentive for nations to switch to renewable energy. However, this technology must first be affordable for developing countries.

The world also needs to create efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. In this regard, Malaysia welcomes the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development next year. This effort is timely because it gives us the opportunity to look back at what has been achieved and what can be improved for the benefit of the World Family.