KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has excelled in its performance beyond the global average in terms of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), achieving 43% compared to the global average rate of 17%, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said although he is grateful for such achievements, there is still space for the country to improve its performance.

“We have achieved relative success. But we should ask ourselves whether the sustainability is just to fulfil our economic policies’ interest or is it something that is critical for the survival of mankind.

“We should do whatever is necessary (and) our best to ensure that we achieve these goals in the most spectacular manner,” he said at the Malaysia SDG Goals 2024 Summit here yesterday.

The 17 SDGs, universally adopted by all 193 United Nations member states in 2015, represent a shared vision for people and the planet.

With a framework containing 169 targets and 248 indicators, the SDGs stipulate an aspirational agenda for global society to achieve by 2030.

Anwar stressed that the Madani concept introduced by the government includes all aspects including sustainability, achieving excellence and compassion.

“In these post-normal times, we need to deal with these issues with such a speed and pace that is considered unprecedented.“This is of course a departure from the normal manner.

“We are talking about post-normal times; we are talking about unprecedented changes and catastrophes,” he added.

Anwar also noted that if the matter is viewed through purely economic considerations or imperatives, it would be hard for the country to achieve the SDG objectives outlined.“We have to deal with some of the issues now: massive migration, disasters caused by either the failure to address concerns on climate or issues arising from leaders or political decisions that ignore the importance of compassion and justice.”

Anwar said the concept of Malaysia Madani takes on a major focus on issues like the environment as well as values of humanity, compassion and “beyond what is now the major pillars of SDGs”.

“We need to always remind ourselves that there are areas where we need to improve.

“This is the focus of the Economy Ministry.”

He said that economy, development and sustainability would mean nothing if they are not aligned with compassion, humanity, justice and safety.

Anwar voiced his appreciation to all parties including the UN that had focused on the need to ensure member countries including Malaysia observe SDG principles and goals.

“Nowadays, we do not just talk about global warming; we are talking about global boiling.

“You will be surprised that there are leaders who are climate change deniers despite the level of sophistication and knowledge we have,” he added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/18/weve-surpassed-sdg-global-average-says-anwar