Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob made history today by becoming the first Malaysian Prime Minister to deliver a speech at the National Statement at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in our national language, Bahasa Melayu. Taking the stage to deliver a 20-minute speech, Ismail touched upon several issues in his address, including calling for the international community to stay united and work together in the spirit of Keluarga Dunia or World Family to face global challenges.
As reported by national news agency Bernama, Ismail was dressed in national attire and Malaysian batik when giving the speech, further promoting our country’s heritage and identity. Moreover, the entire Malaysian delegation at the UN General Assembly was also dressed in similar national attire, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.
The visuals from the Malaysian delegation in New York where the UN General Assembly is taking place are also reminiscent of September 1957 when Malaysia first took part in the UN General Assembly, less than a month after gaining independence. During the 1957 UN General Assembly, another Ismail, the late Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman made history for being the first Malaysian to speak at the intergovernmental organisation assembly.
Tun Dr Ismail was the first Malaysian envoy to the United States and representative to the UN. He then went on to become our country’s Deputy Prime Minister from 1970 to 1973.
So, what do you guys think of Ismail Sabri’s speech at the UN General Assembly? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: PM Arrives in New York for UN General Assembly, Will Speak in BM to Promote the Language
