PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim today spoke at the Apec Economic Leaders’ Informal Dialogue and Working Lunch about the bloodbath in the Gaza Strip amid Israel’s relentless air and ground attacks.

“What’s happening in Gaza is clearly an abandonment of moral responsibility which allows massive destruction and has resulted in climate calamity,” he said at the event attended by United States President Joe Biden.

Anwar has been highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Palestine since his arrival in San Francisco for the summit.

“The humanitarian crisis in Palestine is poised to affect not just Palestine or the broader Middle East, but also leave an imprint on global relations for many years to come.”

“These are blatant violations of international law,” he said earlier in the week at a special lecture titled “Super Power Rivalry and Rising Tensions in the Asia Pacific” at the University of California.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said developed nations must do more to bear responsibility and assist developing countries in energy transition.

He said developing and emerging economies were not getting the support required for energy transition.

“Ensuring a fair and equitable transition is crucial.”

Malaysia, he said, is one of only 17 recognised mega-diverse countries – a critical position for it to pursue global sustainability and fight climate change.

“Malaysia produces 0.658% of global greenhouse emissions – about two-thirds of a percentage point, but climate change raises the risk of displacing up to a quarter of our population if little or nothing is done.”

He said Putrajaya was transforming its economy and investing in a cleaner, greener future, including through its National Energy Transition Roadmap, and Petronas has committed to a clear pathway towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The prime minister also commended Biden and China President Xi Jinping for their meeting on the sidelines of the summit, and said Beijing-Washington engagement was key for Apec’s future. – Bernama, November 17, 2023.