Mat Sabu: Dr M spelt out what UN’s role really is

DOHA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s speech at the recent United Nations General Assembly outlined the country’s expectations of the world body as the principal international organisation mandated to maintain international peace and security, says Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu.

Addressing a gathering of the Malaysian diaspora here on Monday, he said the Prime Minister also highlighted Malaysia’s position, focus and relations with superpower countries.

According to a statement released by the Malaysian Embassy in Doha, Mohamad also said that other issues highlighted by Dr Mahathir were that of Palestine, Muslims in Rakhine state, free trade and tariff restrictions.

The statement said Mohamad and his wife, Normah Alwi, were on transit here en route from New York to Kuala Lumpur following his working visit to the United States.

At a question-and-answer session later, Mohamad shared with Malaysians his views on the country’s current issues and the recent political change.

He said Dr Mahathir would be succeeded by PKR president-elect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister, fulfilling a promise that was made at the 14th general election campaign.

He also said the government would carry out the people’s mandate to the best of its ability and should be given sufficient time to fulfil it.

The session, moderated by Malaysia’s Ambassador to Qatar Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, was held at the Malaysian Embassy and attended by 150 Malaysians.

There are currently 5,000 Malaysians residing in Qatar.