KUALA LUMPUR: The United Nations (UN) must reform itself as it is stuck with an old system following veto power given to its five permanent members of the Security Council.
Following the ongoing war in Gaza, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the veto power held by the five countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, has outlived its purpose.
In an exclusive interview with Nikkei Asia, Anwar also welcomed the decision made by Norway, Spain and Ireland to recognise Palestine as an independent state amid increasing casualties in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
"Hence, do not underestimate (the people). I will always believe that, and that is why I survived.
"In the darkest period in my life, I will always say 'God is great' and I trust in the wisdom of the masses," Anwar was quoted as saying.
Earlier, the prime minister during the Question and Answer session at the Nikkei Forum 29th Future of Asia, also defended his meeting with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, saying that they had been friends for decades.
Anwar also said he had appealed to Haniyeh to heed calls for peace, accept a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and the exchange of captives.
Over 35,000 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis have been killed since the start of the conflict last October.
Most of the Palestinians killed are women and children.