MALAYSIA will ratify all remaining UN human rights conventions, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad pledged at the UN General Assembly tonight.

Dr Mahathir said this is because the new government aims to uphold the UN’s principles as promoted in its 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, multi-religious, multicultural and multilingual. We will accord space and time for all to deliberate and to decide freely based on democracy,” he told the assembly.

As the seventh prime minister of Malaysia after Pakatan Harapan’s 14th general election victory on May 9, Dr Mahathir represented a new government with fresh mandates and aspirations, delivering Malaysia’s national statement at the 73rd session of the assembly’s general debate in New York.

“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,” he said.

“The people of Malaysia, proud of their recent democratic achievement, have high hopes that around the world – we will see peace, progress and prosperity.”

Dr Mahathir said Malaysians had decided to change their government that had been in power for 61 years since independence because the previous government “indulged in the politics of hatred, of racial and religious bigotry, as well as widespread corruption.”

He also said 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 cooperation based on mutual respect, for mutual gain,” he said.

In terms of trade, Dr Mahathir said the country is keen on partnerships based on the 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.”

Dr Mahathir was accompanied on his working visit by his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Kedah Mentri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir. – September 28, 2018.