Dr M to present a new M’sia
PM’s UN general assembly address to highlight positive changes
NEW yOrK: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has arrived in the United States for a five-day working visit to showcase New Malaysia and its place in the world.
The aircraft carrying Dr Mahathir and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah landed in heavy rain at the Westchester White Plains airport here at about 1.12am yesterday Malaysian time.
The Prime Minister joins 43 other heads of government and 84 heads of states who are taking part in the 73rd United Nations General Assembly.
Dr Mahathir will deliver the country’s national statement during the assembly’s general debate at about 11pm tomorrow Malaysian time.
In his speech, the Prime Minister is expected to touch on the landmark change that took place in the country when Pakatan Harapan won the May 9 general election.
His address will also outline the new government’s foreign policy.
The theme of this year’s assembly, which began Sept 18 and will end Oct 5, is “Making the United Nations Relevant to All People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies”.
In this regard, Malaysian officials say that Dr Mahathir is expected to deliver a vocal criticism of the present state of international affairs in his address.
Besides his UN speech, Dr Mahathir is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with national leaders, namely British Prime Minister Theresa May, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.
He will also attend several speaking events
and meetings.
They include a session with the influential Council on Foreign Relations where Dr Mahathir will discuss the domestic situation in Malaysia and the country’s relationship with the US and Asean countries.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, Health
Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and senior government officials are accompanying the Prime Minister.