“We are different but not divided”: Malaysian PM hails C’wealth unity

Monday, 18 November 2013 01:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said the Commonwealth Summit had helped to strengthen the grouping and said there was a genuine desire to stay together, as leaders of the organisation put on a united front after sharp divisions arose over CHOGM attendance and Sri Lanka’s human rights record. “I sense there is a reaffirmation of the spirit and ideals of the Commonwealth... the core values of the Commonwealth, namely democracy, the rule of law and human rights,” Najib told reporters at a concluding press conference at BMICH together with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and other heads of state. The Malaysian Prime Minister said there was a general recognition among leaders of “the fact that we are different but should not be divided”. “There was a reaffirmation of the spirit and willingness of wanting to stay together as a unique collection of nations.” He said this year’s CHOGM theme of Equitable Growth and Inclusive Development should be carried forward into the domestic policies of member states. “The Commonwealth is a default leader, there is often a genesis of issues at Commonwealth summits that go on to shape the discourse on the issues globally,” he explained.