NEW YORK: Positive reception from the international community spoke volumes on Malaysia’s message delivered at the 71st United Nations General Assembly in New York last week.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said that the National Statement presented by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was well received by other member states as indicated by representatives who thanked and congratulated him.

Anifah said with a diverse membership representing 193 states, it was common for UN representatives and leaders to deliver their statements heavily accented with their own language.

“What is important is that the message that they are conveying is understood and their views are put across to the members of the UN,” he said on criticisms regarding how Zahid, who led the Malaysian delegation at the assembly, delivered the National Statement in the general debate on Sept 24.

“It is unfortunate that some Malaysians have levelled criticisms and chosen to highlight the Deputy Prime Minister’s delivery of his speech rather than focus on and digest the important message that he was conveying at the UN General Debate,” he said.

Among others, Zahid conveyed the message that Malaysia is committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals contained therein.

“He had also articulated Malaysia’s position on climate change, terrorism, the question of Palestine and the issue of the resettlement of refugees and migrants to third countries.”-nst