Zaliha defends Anwar's UNGA speech, says turnout not a measure of popularity

SHAH ALAM – Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has attributed the recent low turnout during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York to the mass departure of delegates protesting against the previous speaker, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a three-minute TikTok video, Dr Zaliha, who was a member of the Malaysian delegation to the UNGA said that the hall began to fill up once it was Anwar's turn to speak, indicating a change in the atmosphere.

"It was a very well-received speech, with Anwar receiving support and applause not only from Malaysians, but also from representatives of other countries," she said.

Dr Zaliha also pointed out that numerous factors influenced the audience's size, including the speech's timing.

She stressed that Malaysians should not overly scrutinise the turnout and reiterated her pride in the speech delivered by the Prime Minister.

Dr Zaliha was responding to criticisms from social media users who had questioned the low turnout when Anwar delivered his address.

Netizens said this showed that the Prime Minister was not popular abroad, contrary to the image he had painted for Malaysians.

Comparisons were also drawn to the larger audience turnout when former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad addressed the UN.

The UNGA serves as the principal policy-making body of the UN, providing a platform for member states to engage in multilateral discussions.

The assembly typically convenes from September to December, with heads of government from member states delivering speeches.

It is not uncommon for member states to express their grievances by staging walkouts or protests when leaders from adversarial nations address the UNGA.

Israel, due to its actions in the Middle East, has been a focal point of such protests, especially among Muslim nations.