Letter to Editor
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s fiery and impassioned rhetoric that Israel be expelled from the United Nations (UN) for violating United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and other contraventions is sure to catch the attention of president-elect Donald Trump, who is a fervent and hardline supporter of Israel.
Trump has stated that he will revive the Abraham Accords with the agreeable and committed Arab nations which will gradually inch towards a Middle East Peace accord.
Hopefully the Arab nations and the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will come together to resolve the elusive and evasive peace to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has destabilised the entire Middle Eastern region.
Anwar needs to be more balanced and measured in his speech. His speech sometimes is more typical of how Malaysian leaders and politicians speak locally.
This kind of speech may attract and be lauded by some leaders and countries, but at international forums and meetings such incendiary statements can be regarded as belligerent and hawkish and could lead to the leader being isolated.
With Malaysia going to assume the Asean chair from next year onwards, Anwar’s statement will have an added significance as he will be the primary spokesperson of the regional body.
Harsh statements even about intra-Asean matters can cause ripples of discontent in the regional body as there are already problems concerning the Rohingya and the Asean members’ claims against China in the South China Sea.
The leader helming Asean needs to be more tactful and diplomatic to ensure that all are collectively on board in the 10-nation grouping.
Anwar’s maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last year showed that he had the makings of a distinguished leader showing courage and insight in foreign affairs and international issues.
Trump’s re-election has raised a lot of issues and many leaders and countries are uncertain about the courses of action to be taken by the new administration from January 20 next year.
Next January when Trump assumes office and Anwar becomes the head of Asean there will be many issues confronting Asean’s relationship with the United States which need to be tactfully resolved.
As such it will be better if leaders and politicians are more circumspect in their statements and speeches, and not invite unnecessary attention and trouble. – Nov 15, 2024
V. Thomas
Sungai Buloh, Selangor
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
