KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is a strong proponent of multilateralism and peaceful coexistence, which are mutually reinforcing and should be the essence in interactions and discourse among nations around the world.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Malaysia believes that diversity can be a powerful source of strength and resilience, as a number of nations are still struggling from the economic and health crises due to Covid-19 pandemic.
"We need to realise that as we progress further, we should be far more integrated and stronger as a family of nations.
"We need to take a deeper look at the many qualities that make up our family of nations. It is no longer enough that we tolerate differences, but we should, instead, learn to celebrate and treat them with genuine curiosity and meaningful respect.
"Amid the global uncertainties, it is time for us to work and strengthen our efforts towards living together in peace and harmony," said Ismail Sabri when delivering Malaysia's national statement at the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
He delivered the nation's statement at UNGA in a pre-recorded video.
Malaysia, said Ismail Sabri, would continue to uphold its fundamental principles of defending the nation's sovereignty and interest, maintaining good relations including promoting tolerance, mutual respect and understanding among all peoples and actors of all nations.
He said as a Member State of Asean, Malaysia is committed in preserving ASEAN region as a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN).
"Malaysia also reaffirms its commitment towards global peace, security and prosperity by continuing to lead on the issuance of a Joint Communique on global ceasefire in June this year.
"We strongly believe that the UN membership must speak with one voice on the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities at all corners of the world.
"This would allow governments and all stakeholders to focus their attention on combating humankind's deadliest enemy," he said.
He also voices Malaysia's support for total elimination of nuclear weapons and on the assurance that they will never be produced again.
"This is the only guarantee against the catastrophic consequences arising from their use," he said.
Towards this end, he said Malaysia welcomes the coming into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) earlier this year.
"Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and as Chair of Main Committee One (1) on Nuclear Disarmament for the 10th NPT Review Conference, we will strive towards bringing State Parties together and do our best to steer deliberations towards a fruitful outcome," he said.
Ismail Sabri also said developed countries should carry out the responsibility in providing financial resources and technology transfer to the developing world to undertake sustainable initiatives.
This, he said, was in line with the equity principle of 'common but differentiated responsibility'.
"For Malaysia, mainstreaming sustainability is key in ensuring a smooth transition to a greener socio-economic ecosystem.
"We have set ambitious plans to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient future.
"We have introduced policies including the concept of Circular Economy, which will drive mitigation and adaptation initiatives in our cities. We are confident that they will greatly contribute towards making Malaysia a low carbon nation by 2050," he said.