Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for urgent reforms to global governance, warning that the current multilateral system has left the world unable to prevent atrocities and aggression.
Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus summit in Tianjin, China, this evening, Anwar said the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza was a stark example of institutional failure.
He also said the UN, in particular, is seen as lacking the will to reform, widening the gap between ideals and action, Bernama reported.
“Between aspirations and realities lies a shadow. It is alarming because it has caused disparity and allowed atrocities to be inflicted with impunity,” he said, adding that civilian killings continue while the international community remains largely powerless.
“Not only in Gaza and Palestine, they are affecting neighbours from Lebanon to Iran to Iraq. And the international community seems to be somewhat helpless.”
Anwar also expressed Malaysia’s support for China‘s Global Governance Initiative as a step towards restoring trust in multilateralism.
“There has been a deficit of trust in the international system because we failed in trade, in financial architecture, and in dealing with climate change.
“There’s always this disconnect between what’s being preached and the sufferings that will affect the masses and the action that is not necessarily commensurate with the ideals,” he said.
On the SCO, Anwar, as Asean chair, said the Eurasian organisation’s focus on economic connectivity, public health, security, and energy transition aligns with Malaysia’s and Asean’s priorities.
He thanked China and president Xi Jinping for being reliable partners to Malaysia and the region.
He underscored Malaysia’s commitment to moderation and cooperation, referencing Confucius’ principle of Chung Yung – balance and justice anchored in compassion, humanity, and law – as a foundation of multilateralism.
The high-profile event was attended by more than 20 world leaders and 10 heads of international and regional organisations.
Among those present were Russian president Vladimir Putin, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
Anwar, who arrived in Tianjin on Sunday, will continue his four-day working visit to China in Beijing tonight.
