Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that international law must be applied consistently to all nations to retain its credibility, warning that selective enforcement would erode confidence in the global system.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that for international law to maintain its authority, it should be applied uniformly. He pointed out that the selective invocation of these principles weakens trust in the foundations of the international system. Anwar made these remarks during his opening address at the Forum Ilmuwan Malaysia MADANI titled 'Strategies for Malaysia and ASEAN in an Era of Global Instability', attended by United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network president Prof Dr Jeffrey D. Sachs.
He further condemned the attacks on Iran, attributing them to aggression fueled by Israel's hegemonic ambitions in West Asia, which are supported by the United States. Anwar highlighted the ongoing conflict's impact, noting the targeted killings of Iranian leaders and the civilian casualties resulting from missile attacks.
Anwar expressed concern over the conflict's ripple effects on global energy markets, which could have significant economic implications worldwide. He cited historical precedents showing that instability in West Asia often affects global markets and stressed the need for Malaysia to address these issues. Consequently, the government has convened an emergency meeting of the Economic Advisory Council to assess the conflict's potential impact on Malaysia.
Malaysia, Anwar stated, has maintained a consistent stance by condemning Israeli aggression and the US's role in the conflict against Iran. He urged for restraint and the renewal of diplomatic efforts across the region to mitigate the war's adverse consequences.
Anwar concluded by highlighting the broader ramifications of war, which include loss of life, economic disruption, and increased military expenditure at the expense of public welfare. These challenges, he noted, contribute to higher energy prices, inflation, and economic hardship for many.