KL calls for UN reforms, says it has lost touch with world<\/p>\n
Agencies, Kuala Lumpur<\/p>\n
Malaysia on Thursday called for quick, sweeping reform in the
\nUnited Nations, saying the organization is no longer in tune with
\nthe globalized world.<\/p>\n
Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar met with UN envoy
\nAli Alatas in Malaysia's administrative capital, Putrajaya, to
\ndiscuss proposed wide-ranging reforms proposed for the world
\nbody.<\/p>\n
\"Generally there is an acceptance that there is a need for a
\nUN reform,\" Syed Hamid told reporters, adding that the United
\nNations \"is no longer in tune with the globalized world.\"<\/p>\n
He said the reforms must cover not only the Security Council,
\nbut also programs on poverty eradicate poverty eradication, human
\nrights issues and peacekeeping.<\/p>\n
Countries should strive to reach a consensus on as many
\nmeasures as possible before the end of this year, he said.<\/p>\n
Last month, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan unveiled a plan
\nfor the most sweeping reform of the United Nations in its 60-year
\nhistory, aimed at dealing with the challenges of the 21st
\ncentury. He proposed expanding the Security Council,
\nstrengthening protection for human rights, and tackling
\nconflicts, terrorism and poverty.<\/p>\n
Annan has urged world leaders to adopt the package as a whole
\nat a summit in September.<\/p>\n
Alatas, a former Indonesian diplomat, is among five envoys
\nAnnan picked to travel the world to enlist political leaders,
\ncivil society representatives and academics to back the reform
\npackage.<\/p>\n
Syed Hamid expressed hopes that the reforms would not be
\nbogged down by disagreements among world leaders which he said
\nwould stall efforts to rejuvenate the world body.<\/p>\n
\"We must not try to push through the reforms as a package, \"
\nSyed Hamid said. \"Where we can obtain consensus, we should move
\nforward.\"<\/p>\n
Malaysia said on Thursday it was backing Germany and Japan for
\npermanent seats on a reformed UN Security Council.<\/p>\n
\"Our prime minister (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) has announced that
\nhe is supporting Japan and Germany,\" Syed Hamid told reporters.<\/p>\n
He was asked if Malaysia would submit any names for permanent
\nseats on the UN Security Council.<\/p>\n
\"That is the position that was taken long ago, and our prime
\nminister has restated it,\" Syed Hamid said.<\/p>\n
Germany and Japan are among key powers seeking permanent seats
\non the council, arguing the current lineup of five permanent
\nmembers -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States
\n-- is outdated as it was founded in the wake of World War II.<\/p>\n
Syed Hamid last month reiterated Prime Minister Abdullah's
\nsupport for Japan's bid despite demands from local lawmakers for
\nan apology and compensation from Tokyo for war crimes during
\ntheir occupation of Malaysia during World War II.<\/p>",
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