Malaysia is of the opinion that developed countries must make more sacrifices towards tackling climate change as they are the biggest contributors to global warming.

NONE Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said they owed a huge debt to the world because of this and by right should be willing to make higher contributions in terms of funding to developing countries to fight global warming.

"This is based on the principle of fairness because they (developed countries) are the biggest contributors of carbon emissions," he told Malaysian journalists in Copenhagen in explaining Malaysia's stand at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 (COP15) that is taking in the Danish capital.

Najib in his address at the conference, among others had suggested that the US$10 billion (RM34 billion) fast track funding for developing nations to control emissions proposed at COP15 was to small when compared to what had been done by developed countries.

"As such, I suggested a US$200 billion (RM680 billion) fund be set up first before it later goes above US$800 billion (RM2.7 trillion). Only then will everything be not mere rhetoric," he said.

According to him, developed countries must invest more heavily in realising "carbon sink", the technology to absorb carbon emissions.

Najib said although Malaysia stood for a legally-binding framework to address climate change, it did not appear would not become a reality for the time being.

BN MPs to be reminded on their duties

NONE He said world leaders should show more political commitment first before holding a follow up meeting early next year to agree on a legally-binding framework (to address climate change).

Asked about the reaction of other leaders as to his address, the prime minister said several leaders congratulated him on it but it would be difficult to predict on what could be achieved at the 12 day-conference which ends Friday.

Najib was also asked about the absence of many deputy ministers and backbenchers in the Dewan Rakyat this week which nearly derailed the passing of the 2010 Budget.

He said he viewed the matter seriously as it should not have happened.

Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairperson, said a meeting should be held to remind BN MPs on their responsibility to attend Parliament sittings.

- Bernama