Anifah calls on Asean to address human rights breaches including Gaza
Published on: Thursday, January 11, 2024
Former Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman speaks at the Regional Outlook Forum 2024 in Singapore on Jan. 10, 2024. (Photo: Supplied)
Kota Kinabalu: Former Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman has asked Asean not to remain oblivious to breaches of UN protocols especially on human rights to life, freedom and security amid global events such as the US-China conundrum, the Ukraine-Russia conflict and atrocities in Gaza.
Speaking at the Regional Outlook Forum 2024 in Singapore organised by the Iseas - Yusof Ishak Institute on Wednesday, Anifah said Asean’s neutrality should not be seen as condoning outright disrespect for human life.
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“Therefore, Asean should make a stance especially regarding the atrocities in Gaza,” said Anifah according to his speech provided to Daily Express. “It should also take actions like what South Africa did - by bringing Israel to the International Court of Justice for its genocidal actions.
“When making a stand, Asean will then begin to play an active role in the resolution of global conflicts and it should do this independently of the US-China rivalry.”
Anifah spelt out how Asean can do this in his talk entitled “Rivalry and distrust in the global order: How should Southeast Asia respond?”
He said Asean can do so by engaging with other international bodies directly such as the European Union, the OIC, or the African Union and act as pressure groups to the United Nations.
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“Lastly, during my tenure as Foreign Minister of Malaysia, we have called for a reform of the United Nations," said the international relations and foreign investment special adviser to the Sabah chief minister.
"As I have said earlier, the US vetoed against a (Gaza) ceasefire in the UN Security Council and this differed from the consensus reached in the UN General Assembly.
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“Is one veto all it takes to make the UN helpless in resolving global conflicts? As such, Asean member states of the UN should make calls for reform of the UN so that the supremacy of the UN General Assembly is maintained.”
According to Anifah, Asean’s accomplishments in elevating regional prosperity and fostering global dialogue are commendable.
However, complacency and pure neutrality to the point of ignorance is a luxury Asean cannot afford.
“The imperative for Asean’s unity, advocacy and strategic foresight has never been more pronounced,” said Anifah, who is also the Labuan Corporation chairman.
“In this intricate geopolitical landscape, Asean’s future hinges on collective resilience, strategic vision and unwavering commitment to upholding principles of human rights.”
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