Malaysia: How Will It Perform on the UN Security

Council?
The country brings some baggage of its own to the Council.
By Jared Genser
October 17, 2014

In 2014, Malaysia has made international headlines with the two Malaysia Airlines
tragedies. The country did not, however, make much news when it was elected to the
United Nations Security Council yesterday, yet the election gives this Southeast Asian
country the opportunity to work with the global powers on a host of pressing and
complex issues, among them the threat of terrorism from the Islamic State, the conflicts
in Iraq, Ukraine and Syria, and the panoply of rampant human rights abuses worldwide.
How well equipped is Malaysia to contribute to the Council, and will its own domestic
policy agenda get in the way?

To start with, the country’s economy is performing well. A 2015 budget introduces more
deficit-slashing measures, including subsidy reforms and a higher goods and service tax.
These measures should improve the national balance sheet. But as the middle and lower
classes are forced to cope with higher prices, questions remain as to whether adequate
steps are being taken to combat corruption and diversify the country’s revenue base,
which is still heavily reliant on oil exports.

At the United Nations, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has said much about
leading a “Global Movement of Moderates” to combat extremism around the world. A
laudable goal, no doubt, but the story at home is hardly one of moderation and
tolerance.

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Most notable has been the government’s crackdown against opposition and civil society
groups under its anachronistic Sedition Act of 1948, a law that the UN Human Rights
Council has strongly criticized and the New York Times called “deplorable.” The Act
criminalizes any speech spoken “to excite disaffection” for the government. The law is
currently being reviewed by the High Court to determine if it is constitutional. In the
meantime, within the past year, dozens of dissidents, academics and activists have been
charged, and face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
While critics of the government are hauled up on charges, however, groups sympathetic
to Najib’s ruling UMNO party are given free reign to incite violence and racial tension.
From calling for the burning of Bibles to telling Malaysia’s ethnic Chinese and Indians to
“go back home,” these groups act with impunity.

The Sedition Act is not the only tool the government has to subdue opposition and
dissent. Fearful of the traction the opposition has gained, the Government has twice
managed to conjure up dubious sodomy charges against opposition leader, Anwar
Ibrahim, in both cases on the heels of a strong electoral performance by the country’s
opposition coalition. Moreover, two of Anwar’s lawyers have themselves been charged
with sedition, in one case, simply for commenting publicly on the case itself. The
allegations alone are damning enough in a predominately Muslim country; the fact that
Anwar could well be sent back to a second lengthy prison term is a clear sign of Prime
Minister Najib Razak’s fundamental insecurity and unwillingness to allow his
government to face serious questions about its performance.

Perhaps nothing has been more emblematic of Malaysia’s backwards slide on the human
rights agenda than the state of the media. In the last thirteen years it has dropped
consistently on Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index from a high of 110 to
its current low of 147 out of 180 countries surveyed, which places it next to Russia,
Burma, and Turkey.

Yet domestic issues are not the only thing that Malaysia has to worry about now. It will
be compelled to engage on some of the biggest challenges facing the world and, if it
wants to have any impact, Malaysia will have to a stand up on tough and potentially
divisive issues such as terrorism and human rights. Its strategy to get on the Council was
pretty straightforward: Be a moderate voice representing the interests of a small
Muslim, Asian country. This was feasible as Malaysia solicited election votes; staying
moderate will be another challenge altogether.

Malaysia’s messaging and domestic policies will be subjected to close scrutiny. Its record
on human rights leaves much to be desired, with the Sedition Act just one example of
the country falling short of international human rights norms and setting a poor
precedent for other states in region. One can only hope that Malaysia will not try to
avoid having a spotlight focused on its own abuses by giving a free pass to repressive
governments on the Council’s agenda.

When it comes to international conflicts and terrorism, Malaysia’s voice is typically

subdued. It does take a stand publicly on horrific abuses, but only after clear red-lines
are crossed.

Take for example the biggest issue facing the Security Council at the moment: the
Islamic State (IS). Malaysia made a complete about face in its messaging once it became
clear that the group was extremist, but it was not that long ago that it was expressing
admiration for the militants. Just this summer, Najib made public statements praising
the bravery of the IS forces. Najib has since backtracked, evidently drawing a “red-line”
at the gruesome beheadings videos, and he now denounces IS violence. He made this
clear during his statement at the UN General Assembly in September and joined other
ASEAN nations in a joint statement in support of the Security Council’s resolutions
condemning the group. Malaysia’s response to IS is all the more important in light of
growing reports of Malaysians volunteering to serve in the terrorist outfit. Given the
sudden change in position, it is unclear if Najib is really revolted by the actions of IS, but
his change of rhetoric and the support for air strikes strongly suggest that Malaysia will
not stand in the way of concerted efforts within the Security Council to extinguish it.

Malaysia was similarly quiet about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, until it
found itself right in the middle of it this summer when Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 was
shot down. Beyond claiming that it was “frustrated” with the separatists for interfering
with recovery efforts, Malaysia has not publicly said anything about Russia’s actions in
Ukraine. Its absence from that discussion, especially in light of its ownership of the
airline, suggests a deep reluctance to take a clear stand on divisive issues, even when its
own interests are directly impacted.

On Syria, Malaysia was again quiet until the Ghouta chemical weapons attack, another
red-line incident. In response to the attacks, Malaysia Foreign Minister Anifah
Aman called upon “those responsible for such irresponsible and inhuman acts to be
brought to justice” and stated that chemical weapons inspectors should be allowed to
inspect the sites. It is unclear whether the country would have spoken out against the
violence if not for those attacks.

It is a particularly challenging international environment that confronts the Security

Council members. As one of them, if Malaysia continues to follow and not lead, it may
not make any enemies. But it certainly won’t be making history.

Jared Genser is an Associate of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, co-editor
of The UN Security Council in the Age of Human Rights (Cambridge

https://thediplomat.com/2014/10/malaysia-how-will-it-perform-on-the-un-security-council/
INTERVIEW WITH MALAYSIA’S
AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED
NATIONS

Dato’ Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob presents his credentials to Antonio Guterres

May 23, 2017 – Javier Delgado Rivera sat down in New York with
Malaysia´s Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Dato’ Muhammad
Shahrul Ikram Yaakob. Among other issues, they talked about Kuala
Lumpur’s role in the United Nations Security Council during its 2015-16
membership as well as the Council’s controversial resolution on Palestine
last December; Malaysia’s sizable involvement in peacekeeping operations
around the word; and the country’s coordination with the U.N. in the
aftermath of the assassination of the North Korean leader’s half-brother in
Kuala Lumpur.
During 2015-2016 Malaysia served a two-year term as a non-
permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
– the world’s top diplomatic body. What was Malaysia’s top
achievement?
There were several accomplishments that I could highlight, but if I have to
single out one I would pick the historic UNSC Resolution 2334 (2016) of
last December, where we played a leading role towards its adoption. The
resolution called for Israel to stop the illegal construction of settlements in
the occupied Palestinian territories. It was the first time in 36 years that
the Council issued such a warning on Israeli settlements and we were
behind this significant success. The last attempt by the Council to adopt
such a resolution was vetoed by the U.S. back in 2011.
Just before the adoption of that resolution, your predecessor,
Ambassador Ramlan Ibrahim, stated that “for far too long, the
Council has been in a state of inaction when it comes to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” What should the UNSC be doing to
help settle the situation in Palestine after more than half a
century of clashes and tensions? Is there any scope for that to
happen now with a Trump’s administration in the U.S. much more
supportive of Israel than the Obama’s ever was?
A political deal should be reached based on the two-state solution where
Israel and Palestine live side by side, along the lines of the 1967 borders,
with East Jerusalem as its capital. This is not only our focus but the one of
the majority of U.N. member states. Together with them, we will continue
to assess current and future actions taken by the new U.S. administration
in our collective efforts to find amicable solutions to the conflicts of the
Middle East.
Currently Malaysia contributes 891 personnel to U.N.
peacekeeping operations across 7 missions – with 825 alone
stationed in the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Since
Malaysia began sending blue helmets in 1960, the country has
suffered 29 fatalities in 13 missions. What do Malaysians gain
from getting involved in U.N. peacekeeping missions?
Supporting the U.N.’s goal of maintaining international peace and security
is a fundamental responsibility of all its member states. As a small country,
Malaysia believes that one of the areas where we can make a substantive
contribution to conflict resolution and nation building in the world’s most
trouble spots is through peacekeeping initiatives. As you point out, we
have suffered 29 fatalities, although actually only one of our soldiers was
killed in action, specifically during the 1993 Bakara market incident in
Somalia [an incident which had been made into a Hollywood film, the Black
Hawk Down]. The remaining 28 died in unfortunate circumstances, like
road accidents. The sacrifices made by our soldiers and police personnel
will not be forgotten. In fact, they further strengthen Malaysia’s resolve to
support future U.N. peacekeeping efforts around the world.
Tan Sri Dr. Ramon Navaratnam, a prominent Malaysian
economist, recently wrote that Malaysia could be the first country
in the world to fully implement the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) – or Global Goals, a UN-spearheaded initiative
launched in 2016 to end poverty and hunger and lift the living
standards of the world’s most vulnerable people by 2030.
Yet according to UNESCO, 4 out of 10 Malaysians are in the lowest
income bracket. Are you as optimistic as Dr. Navaratnam?
I am very optimistic about Malaysia’s ability to achieve the 17 Global Goals.
Remember that in the framework of the Millennium Development Goals
(the SDGs precursor), our government did a remarkable job in raising the
living standards of millions of Malaysians by breaking the circle of exclusion
and destitution in which they were trapped for generations.
As the U.N. highlighted in its 2015 Malaysia’s Millennium Development
Goals Report, poverty incidence has already been halved in all Malaysian
states and their poverty rate (population living with less than US$ 1 per
day) is today less than 1% – except for the state of Sabah and Labuan
Federal Territory.
The Malaysian government, through its Economic Transformation
Programme (ETP), is decidedly committed to ensuring equitable
opportunities for all with a focus on the bottom 40% of the country’s
households. For this to happen, the government will launch initiatives
centered on productivity assistance, entrepreneurship and skills training, as
well as technology adoption and investment in connectivity, to name just a
few targets.
Representatives of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC) have warned that without effective collaboration among
ASEAN partners, terrorism in Southeast Asia will thrive, noting
that as the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) continues to lose
territorial control in the Middle East, its fighters will disperse and
move back to their countries of origin – it is reckoned that they
are more than 1,000 IS militants from Southeast Asia fighting in
the Middle East. Do these U.N. officials have a point?
They do, although this problem does not affect every ASEAN state in the
same way. In fact, ASEAN has the mechanisms in place to address the
question of IS returnees and its members are already addressing security
issues and concerns linked to this phenomenon, such as human trafficking,
counter-terrorism and drugs. This also includes cooperation and
arrangements in information sharing among the organization’s ten member
states.
In Malaysia we have foiled several terrorist attempts carried out by IS
sympathizers. In only one instance extremists were able to inflict some
damage, when in June 2016 a hand grenade was thrown at a night club at
the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur injuring eight people. This highlights that the
threat is real and therefore, we must remain vigilant.
A few weeks ago, Malaysian Foreign Minister said that Kuala
Lumpur does not acknowledge Beijing’s “nine-dash line”
expansive claim over territories in the South China Sea. Have you
actually talked about this with your Chinese counterpart?
I have not discussed this issue with my Chinese colleague here in New
York. We focus our work around issues on the U.N. agenda.
In late February, the UK Ambassador to the U.N. urged
Malaysia to share evidence with the U.N.’s Organization for the
Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the Security
Council about the gas used in the attack that killed a half-brother
of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un in Kuala Lumpur’s
international airport on February 13. Has this already happened?
At that point of time it was too early for us to share the information as
investigations were still ongoing. We have now identified the gas used in
this assassination as VX, a powerful nerve agent classified by the U.N. as a
weapon of mass destruction. We are now working closely with the OPCW
to address a host of questions around this incident, such as how the gas
was brought in or whether there could be any stockpiles in the country or
the region.
Last month Malaysia decided to ask the U.N.’s International Court
of Justice (ICJ) to review a 2008 ruling on Singapore’s ownership
of the small island of Pedra Banca (Pulau Batu Puteh by Malaysia).
Why this is happening now?
We have the right to do so. Article 61 of the ICJ Statute allows for the
resumption of a claim if it is brought within six months of the discovery of
the new evidence or facts, and within 10 years of the date of the
judgment. We have recently found new evidence to strengthen our
arguments, so we are requesting the ICJ to review this case.
Javier Delgado Rivera is a freelance journalist covering the United Nations
and is the editor of The UN Times @TheUNTimes. He is on
Twitter @JavichuDR
 Malaysia played key role in UNSC’
 NATION
 Thursday, 22 Dec 2016

 by datuk seri anifah aman
image:
http://www.thestar.com.my/~/media/online/2016/12/21/19/09/21b_
gerijah_1.ashx/?w=620&h=413&crop=1&hash=7D6B0DBC49173
1F83CFFD1C6DB848D2EA2001AF7

Working together: Anifah (left) briefing Dr Ahmad Zahid at a

UNSC meeting on the situation in Syria. — Bernama
Malaysia’s non-permanent membership of the United Nations
Security Council (UNSC ) will end on Dec 31, 2016. As the end of
our membership nears, Datuk Seri Anifah Aman recalls
the process that led to Malaysia securing a seat on the council
from Jan 1, 2015, to Dec 31, 2016, as well as Malaysia’s
experience in carrying out its responsibilities while on the council.
The campaign
The campaign for Malaysia’s non-permanent membership of the
UNSC for the term 2015-2016 began immediately after we
submitted and announced our candidature in June 2001.
Lobbying for the support of the other UN members was conducted
through the ministry’s engagement with the foreign diplomatic
missions in Kuala Lumpur and representations made by our
diplomats worldwide to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of their
host or concurrently accredited countries.
The elections
The elections were held on Oct 16, 2014, at the UN General
Assembly. Malaysia had to obtain a minimum number of 129
votes to be selected. We received 187 votes.
The membership
Malaysia was fully committed and determined to carry out its
responsibilities as a council member in fulfilling the mandate of
the UNSC in a responsible manner.
We advocated five priorities – promote moderation as an
approach in conflict resolution, promote mediation as a tool for the
peaceful settlement of disputes, promote the enhancement of UN
peacekeeping operations, support peace-building in countries
emerging from conflict, and encourage continued discussion on
UNSC reform. Other issues that were important to Malaysia
included MH17, Palestine, humanitarian issues, counter-terrorism,
and children and armed conflict.
Malaysia served as the President of the UNSC in June 2015 and
August 2016. These were occasions for Malaysia to pursue
initiatives on issues of importance to us.
In June 2015, Malaysia organised a high-level open debate on
children and armed conflict.
Our resolution aimed at increasing accountability for perpetrators
that committed abduction of children in situations of armed conflict
was unanimously adopted by the UNSC and co-sponsored by 56
UN members. This will be one of Malaysia’s lasting contributions
to the UN system on the protection of children in conflict
situations.
We also undertook initiatives to promote peace-building in post-
conflict countries and to discuss the multiplier effects of climate
change on international peace and security.
In August 2016, Malaysia organised a high-level open debate on
weapons of mass destruction (WMD). It was chaired by Deputy
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. It succeeded
in raising awareness on the threat of WMD falling into the wrong
hands, particularly terrorists’, and the need for UN members to
work together to prevent this from happening.
To ensure that the plight of the Palestinian people continue to
receive the attention of the global community, Malaysia chaired
three Arria-formula meetings on the situation in Gaza, protection
for the people of Palestine and illegal Israeli settlements.
Malaysia’s biggest disappointment was when our initiative on a
draft resolution proposing the creation of an international tribunal
to bring to justice those responsible for the downing of the MH17
failed due to the exercise of the veto.
The way forward
As Malaysia completes its term on the council, we will continue to
support the work of the UNSC and cooperate constructively with
the wider UN membership in finding peaceful resolutions to
conflicts. We will also continue to promote moderation as an
approach to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Conclusion
I have often been asked this question – how does Malaysia’s
membership of the UNSC benefit Malaysia and its people?
In today’s globalised world, an event in one corner of the world
could ricochet and impact other corners of the globe. As a trading
nation, international peace and security is vital for Malaysia’s
continued development and prosperity. Membership of the UNSC
accords Malaysia the opportunity to be directly involved in the
maintenance of international peace and security. It allows
Malaysia to promote and pursue our foreign policy objectives
towards preserving a conducive, peaceful and secure global
environment for the benefit of its people.
I would like to express my appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Najib Tun Razak for his leadership, guidance and trust. This
has been invaluable to me and my officers.
I have found Malaysia’s membership of the UNSC to be very
enriching, professionally and personally. This will remain one of
the most memorable experiences of my tenure as Foreign
Minister.

Read more at
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/12/22/malaysia-
played-key-role-in-unsc-anifah-recalls-countrys-experience-in-
security-council-as-tenure-co/#pqkwFyJtZOBvIiWC.99
Malaysia Statement To The United Nations

STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR HUSSEIN HANIFF,

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE
UNITED NATIONS
ON AGENDA ITEM 105 ENTITLED
“MEASURES TO ELIMINATE INTERNATIONAL
TERRORISM”
AT THE SIXTH COMMITTEE OF THE SIXTY-SEVENTH
SESSION OF
THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 8 OCTOBER 2012

Mr. Chairman,

As this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor in this

Committee at the 67th Session of the General Assembly, allow
me to congratulate you, Mr. Chairman, on your election as
Chairman of the Sixth Committee. At this juncture, my
delegation wishes to align its statement with that made by Iran
on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, Egypt on behalf of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Vietnam on
behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
2. Malaysia wishes to record its appreciation to H.E. Ban Ki-
moon for his report A/67/162 on “Measures to Eliminate
International Terrorism”, which allows us to be updated on
various measures undertaken by Member States and
international organizations in countering terrorism.

Mr. Chairman,

3. Malaysia takes note of the efforts that have been made in

implementing General Assembly resolution A/66/105. The
decision to convene the Ad Hoc Committee in 2013 has allowed
all delegations to take a step back to think of how to move
forward on the comprehensive convention such as exploring
new approaches that would assist in bridging the difference in
positions of all Member States. It is our hope that this session
will see all of us revisit the issue with renewed vigor and
political will in finalizing the comprehensive convention on a
consensual basis at the earliest opportunity.

4. For Malaysia, there is an obvious difference between

terrorism and the legitimate struggle of people under foreign
occupation for liberation and self-determination. By the same
token, terrorism should not be associated with any religion, race,
culture, ethnic group or nationality.
5. Malaysia wishes to reiterate its support for convening a high-
level conference under the auspices of the United Nations as an
important forum to address the current and emerging challenges
to global counter terrorism efforts. Such a high-level political
discourse may also assist in resolving outstanding issues in the
draft convention. As such, the convening of a high-level
conference should not be linked to the conclusion of the
convention, as it would only delay efforts to consolidate and
exchange views on various measures to effectively counter
terrorism.

Mr. Chairman,

6. In countering terrorism within our own borders, Malaysia has

ratified nine of the 13 international conventions and protocols as
well as taken various measures to fulfill its obligations that have
been set forth by the General Assembly and Security Council.
We are in the midst of amending relevant national laws to
enable us to accede to the remaining conventions and protocols.

7. Malaysia established the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for

Counter Terrorism (SEARCCT) with the aim of enhancing
capacity building and extending technical assistance at the
international level. Since its inception in November 2002, the
Centre has conducted 96 training courses, workshops and
forums attended by 3,038 local and foreign participants. Of late,
SEARCCT has expanded collaboration with other international
organizations such as the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Executive
Directorate and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Malaysia has also signed bilateral agreements to enhance
cooperation on counter-terrorism with many of our partners in
the region and beyond.

Mr. Chairman,

8. Malaysia welcomes the recent review of the UN Global

Counter-Terrorism Strategy in June this year. This allows the
Strategy to be continuously updated according to the changing
nature of terrorism and the various aspects that would need to be
addressed. We feel that there is a need to place equal emphasis
on all four pillars of the strategy. In order to accomplish this,
more attention would need to be given to pillar one on
conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and pillar four
on measures to ensure respect for human rights.

9. On pillar four, earlier this year, Malaysia repealed the Internal

Security Act of 1960, which has been replaced by the Security
Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012. This decision was made
taking into consideration changes in the country over the past
decade. This demonstrates that while the Government remains
committed to ensure that security is constantly safeguarded, the
rights of the people also need to be upheld.
10. On conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, it has
often been cited that lack of economic development and
education has led some to turn to terrorism. In other cases, it is
humiliation, despair and a sense of utter hopelessness. We
cannot pretend that the problem in the Middle East does not
exist, nor can we continue to live in a state of denial of the
atrocities that have been committed. Instead, we must take every
effort to resolve the conflict. Only then will we have any hope of
completely eradicating terrorism.

11. Apart from the more common factors that lead people to
terrorism, there are also those whom use terrorism as a means to
pursue political goals. They do this through violence, in which
their acts are able to dominate world headlines for weeks. They
elevate the level of fear of millions of citizens around the world.
Thus, what is in actual fact a small group of people, have now
achieved global influence.

12. In contrast, while the majority of moderates have been

appalled by the despicable acts of extremists and terrorists, we
have in the past remained relatively silent. This must change.
Moderates must be seen to occupy the mainstream. It is due to
this that Malaysia calls for a Global Movement of Moderates,
which is a clarion call for rational, peace loving people of all
races, cultures, and beliefs, to make our voices louder and to
reclaim the center stage. We sincerely believe that the Global
Movement of Moderates would contribute in our effort to
eradicate terrorism.
Mr. Chairman,

13. In looking ahead, my delegation is supportive in efforts to

enhance counter-terrorism measures and we look forward to
further discussions on the creation of an overall UN Counter-
Terrorism coordinator, as proposed by the UN Secretary
General. Although much work remains, rest assured of
Malaysia’s cooperation in discussions at this General Assembly
as well as our commitment to see a world free from terrorism.

https://www.searcct.gov.my/news-events/speeches-
collections?id=72
Malaysia to keep raising
Rohingya plight at United
Nations, OIC
Posted on 6 September 2017 - 05:26pm
Last updated on 6 September 2017 - 06:26pm

Print

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman with Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Aloysio Nunes, at Wisma Putra, on
September 6, 2017. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will continue to raise the plight of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar
at the United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation,
said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.
He said Malaysia would not stop looking into all possibilities to
stop further escalation of violence against Rohingya Muslims in
the Rakhine state after Asean failed to address the issue
efficiently.
"I think Asean can no longer handle this issue. Within Asean, I
have given up hope. We had seven meetings, and Malaysia had
expressed our concerns to Myanmar and they (Myanmar)
promised to address the concern.
"Until today, nothing has been done. Therefore, Malaysia may
raise it at other levels, like the United Nations and OIC," he said
when asked to comment if Malaysia would bring up the issue of
the continuing violence against the Rohingya at this month's
United Nations General Assembly.
Anifah spoke to reporters after Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister
Aloysio Nunes called on him at Wisma Putra today. Nunes is on a
three-day working visit to Malaysia from yesterday.
Yesterday, Wisma Putra summoned Myanmar Ambassador to
Malaysia, U Sein Oo, to express Malaysia's displeasure over the
latest violence in Rakhine State.
Anifah, in a statement yesterday, was quoted as saying that
Malaysia was gravely concerned over the continuing violence
against the Rohingya in the state.
On Nunes' visit, Anifah said Brazil was keen to increase bilateral
trade and investment with Malaysia and had invited Malaysia's
national oil company Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) to invest
in its oil and gas industries.
In early August, Petronas was among the first batch of the 14-
strong list of companies approved by the Brazil licensing
committee.
The committee of Brazil's hydrocarbons regulator has approved
the first batch of companies ahead of the country's 14th licensing
round for oil and gas concessions, scheduled for Sept 27.
Brazil is reported to be one of the world's top holders of
hydrocarbon reserves, with about 145 billion barrels of oil
reserves.
"Our meeting was very good and, of course, Malaysia and Brazil
share good relations. However, this does not reflect in the trade
and investment. Therefore, Brazil is very much looking for
opportunities available in Malaysia, and was also very keen to
work with Asean.
"They have respect for Petronas. Brazil's trade and investments
are still considered relatively low when compared to the resources
that Malaysia has," he said.
In the 30-minute meeting, Anifah and Nunes also discussed
matters pertaining to bilateral, regional and international issues,
including a visit by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak
to Brazil.
Later, Anifah also hosted lunch for Nunes and his five-member
delegation.
In a statement yesterday, Wisma Putra said Malaysia-Brazil
relations, established in 1959, remained strong and vibrant in
numerous areas, including trade and investment, education,
security, defence and people-to-people relations.
Last year, total trade between the two countries amounted to
US$2.73 billion (RM11.63 billion) compared to US$2.52 billion
(RM10.7 billion) in 2015. — Bernama
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2017/09/06/malaysia-keep-raising-
rohingya-plight-united-nations-oic