TIANJIN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today took the global multilateral system to task, saying its failure and that of institutions like the United Nations (UN) has led to a trust deficit.
This, he said, has also resulted in actions which do not necessarily commensurate with ideals.
These failures, he said, are evident.
“There has been a deficit of trust in the international system because of our failures in trade, in financial architecture, or in dealing with climate change.
“There is always this disconnect between what’s being preached and the sufferings that will affect the masses, and action that does not necessarily commensurate with the ideals.
“The United Nations is no longer looked upon (as) having the aspirations to even reform itself.
“Between the aspirations and the realities lies a shadow. And it’s alarming because it has caused so much disparity, atrocities inflicted with impunity,” he said.
Anwar was delivering his remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Summit 2025 here today.
The two-day event brought together more than 20 heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organisations.
Anwar‘s presence marks the first time a Malaysian prime minister has attended the summit.
In his remarks, Anwar touched on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s proposal for a Global Governance Initiative (GGI).
In his opening address earlier at the summit, Xi said global governance has come to a new crossroads, and had called for “a more just and equitable global governance system, advancing toward a community with a shared future for humanity.”
Xi had proposed that the “SCO Plus” nations adhere to sovereign equality, abide by the international rule of law, practice multilateralism, advocate the people-centred approach and focus on “taking real actions.”
Anwar welcomed the proposal and said the SCO’s ideals were consistent with Malaysia’s and Asean’s, which Malaysia chairs this year.
“(Priorities like) economic connectivity, public health, security and energy transition, which is clearly consistent with Malaysia’s position and Asean’s priorities,” he said.
Anwar said the GGI underscored the recognition shared by many that the multilateral system has failed.
He said the ideals espoused were consistent with the moderate path taken by Zhongyong, a core concept in Confucianism.
This, he said, involved a balanced, moderate position based on justice, compassion, humanity, rules anchored in law, cooperation, multilateralism at the core and translated into practical action consistent with the ideals.
“We share these aspirations. What it means is rejection of aggression, of arrogance of power, rejection of colonialism, imperialism and oppression of man by man,” he said.
Anwar said while he and other global leaders attending the SCO Summit will celebrate China‘s Victory Day Parade in Beijing on Sept 4, he hoped that the rejection of such atrocities would remain on their minds.
“Many of my colleagues have mentioned about the atrocities inflicted in front of our very eyes in Gaza and Palestine. Killings of babies and children with impunity.
“Not only in Gaza and Palestine (but) they are affecting neighbors from Lebanon to Iran to Iraq. And the international community seems to be somewhat helpless,” he said.
Anwar said he not only supported Xi’s GGI initiative but called on the latter to intensify it.
Anwar arrived in the port city of Tianjin yesterday to kick off his four-day working visit to China, his fourth to the country since 2023.
He is also scheduled for back-to-back meetings with Xi and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, before attending China‘s Victory Day Parade in Tiananmen Square to commemorate the end of World War 2.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
