NAM Must Remain Non-Aligned, Not Favour Any Major Power

PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), July 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia believes the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) would be able to play a more effective, dynamic and progressive role on a range of current issues relevant to its member states at the regional and global levels, provided that NAM remains non-aligned.

Malaysia underscored that NAM needs to remain relevant and not favour any major power in line with the fundamental principles of NAM, and that NAM must not ignore the concerns and interests of member states in upholding the NAM’s principles.

The Foreign Ministry in a statement Thursday said these were among the key points in the national statement delivered by Foreign Minister Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir at the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the NAM (CoB-NAM) held in Baku, Azerbaijan on Wednesday.

Malaysia also underlined the importance of cooperation among NAM Member States in overcoming common challenges and nurturing trust, mutual respect and understanding.

The statement said Malaysia had expressed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) disappointment with NAM over its refusal to accept ASEAN's proposals in relation to the South China Sea in the Final Meeting Document, which has persisted for almost 10 years.

It said Malaysia's resolve in voicing criticism of NAM received support from representatives of NAM Member States present, including those from ASEAN countries.

“Malaysia expressed concern over the rise of hatred and insensitivity in certain countries, evident in the recent Quran-burning incident in Sweden, and stressed that bigotry, Islamophobia, racism and any desecration of holy scriptures, irrespective of religion, must be condemned,” said the statement.

The statement added that Malaysia emphasised the need for reform of the United Nations (UN) to ensure that the aspirations and interests of UN Members are advanced fairly and equitably.

Malaysia stressed that the international financial architecture should be overhauled to help developing countries overcome various problems such as financial crises, inflation, rising interest rates and a standstill in debt relief.

Chaired by Azerbaijan, the meeting was attended by more than 100 representatives of NAM Member States, NAM Observer States and special guests including representatives of international organisations. 

The CoB-NAM Ministerial Meeting is part of the preparatory process for the 19th NAM Summit, scheduled in Kampala, Uganda, in January 2024.

-- BERNAMA