DEVALUATION OF RESPECT FOR INTERNATIONAL NORMS: ANWAR
In his speech, Anwar cited the situation in Gaza, Israel’s “incessant bombardment” of Lebanon, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the civil war in Sudan as signs that pointed toward a greater and systematic devaluation of respect for international norms and laws.
He said that the war in Gaza remained a “festering wound” on the collective conscience of the world.
“The failure to intervene, especially by countries with the power to influence the Zionist regime, has only empowered them to expand their wars in the region,” said Anwar.
He stressed that such violence and brutality – whether in Europe, West Asia or Africa – must come to an end, with a cessation of hostilities that prioritises the protection of civilians.
Anwar said the current situations painted a bleak future when humankind could otherwise be celebrating tremendous advancement of economic and technological growth.
“Most disturbingly, the signs point toward a greater and systematic devaluation of respect for international norms and laws,” he said.
“Might now makes right, as does narrow national interests. Even at the expense of rubbishing the sanctity and legal obligations of an international contract,” he added, in a pointed reference to Malaysia’s situation with Norway.
Anwar then went on to outline how Malaysia can navigate an “increasingly uncertain, undependable and transactional world” amid challenging geopolitical and geoeconomic fluctuations.
First, Malaysia’s foreign policy will remain “fiercely independent, proactive and non-aligned”, he said, stressing that this has to be done through a calculated and deliberate approach.
“We will not hesitate to adopt positions, cultivate relationships, and support initiatives that advance our values, beliefs and interests,” he said, pointing to the Palestinian struggle as among the issues that Malaysia cannot remain neutral on.
He added: “We take principled stances and positions but not sides. These include our unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. The use of force or coercion, military or economic, will only compound resentment and unintended consequences.”
Not long after Norway scrapped the missile deal in May, Malaysia’s Defence Minister Khaled Nordin was quoted as saying that Putrajaya would demand over RM1 billion (US$245 million) in damages from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA), which manufactured the NSMs.
Malaysia had planned to use the guided missiles to equip five upcoming warships under the Littoral Combat Ship programme, which had been plagued by delays and mismanagement. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in December.
Khaled said Malaysia has so far paid RM583 million – which the minister said is 95 per cent of the total procurement value of RM634 million – for the missiles, adding that its claim of RM1 billion included the amount already paid as well as “indirect” costs.
A post on the Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace website confirms the 2018 contract, valued at €124 million (US$141.6 million), was signed with the Royal Malaysian Navy to supply NSMs for six littoral combat ships.
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