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arguing the current lineup of five permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- is outdated as it was founded in the wake of World War II.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