AT age 93, then-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad gave a speech at the general debate of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 28, 2018. 

In his speech to world leaders gathered there, which he last addressed 15 years ago, he lamented how little had changed in the world as it was in far worse shape than before. 

“Today, the world is in a state of turmoil economically, socially, and politically,” he said. 

Dr Mahathir said countries were reeling under the pain inflicted by a trade war between the most powerful economies; there was international political turmoil; savage conflicts and widespread terrorism were killing millions; and budgets that should be devoted to helping the poor were being used to buy and maintain expensive weapons of war. 

“There is something wrong with our way of thinking, with our value system … we still believe that conflict between nations can be resolved with war,” he added. 

Before that, he spoke of the new Malaysia, saying: “The theme of this 73rd Session of the General Assembly, ‘Making the United Nations Relevant to All People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies’ remains true to the aspiration of our founding fathers. The theme is most relevant and timely. It is especially pertinent in the context of the new Malaysia. The new government of Malaysia, recently empowered with a strong mandate from its people, is committed to ensure that every Malaysian has an equitable share in the prosperity and wealth of the nation. 

“A new Malaysia emerged after the 14th general election in May this year. Malaysians decided to change their government, which had been in power for 61 years, i.e., since independence. We did this because the immediate past government indulged in the politics of hatred, of racial and religious bigotry, as well as widespread corruption. The process of change was achieved democratically, without violence or loss of lives. 

“Malaysians want a new Malaysia that upholds the principles of fairness, good governance, integrity and the rule of law. They want a Malaysia that is a friend to all and enemy of none. A Malaysia that remains neutral and non-aligned. A Malaysia that detests and abhors wars and violence. They also want a Malaysia that will speak its mind on what is right and wrong, without fear or favour. A new Malaysia that believes in co-operation based on mutual respect, for mutual gain. The new Malaysia that offers a partnership based on our philosophy of ‘prosper-thy-neighbour’. 

“We believe in the goodness of cooperation, that a prosperous and stable neighbour would contribute to our own prosperity and stability. 

“The new Malaysia will firmly espouse the principles promoted by the UN in our international engagements. These include the principles of truth, human rights, the rule of law, justice, fairness, responsibility and accountability, as well as sustainability. It is within this context that the new government of Malaysia has pledged to ratify all remaining core UN instruments related to the protection of human rights. 

“It will not be easy for us because Malaysia is multi-ethnic, multireligious, multicultural and multilingual. We will accord space and time for all to deliberate and to decide freely based on democracy.” 

Dr Mahathir concluded his speech with a plea: 

“After 15 years and at 93, I return to this podium with the heavy task of bringing the voice and hope of the new Malaysia to the world stage. The people of Malaysia, proud of their recent democratic achievement, have high hopes that around the world – we will see peace, progress and prosperity. In this we look toward the UN to hear our pleas.” 

More than 2 weeks later, Dr Mahathir’s speech was approved by the Dewan Rakyat. 

Should we now stop labelling Malaysia as a multiracial, multi-ethnic country? – July 28, 2023.

* Hafiz Hassan reads The Malaysian Insight.  

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.