M'sia Can Lead Humanitarian Aid In Asean - ICRC Director-General

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has the expertise and experience to play a leading role in building a disaster risk-resilient network among Asean member countries. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Director-General, Yves Daccord (right) said the election of Malaysia as a non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council and as the new Asean chairman, clearly showed the country is ready to take the lead where humanitarian aid is concerned. "Malaysia via Mercy Malaysia has the ability to play a major role in humantarian work at the international level, as the country has played various roles in the Asean region as a facilitator, moderator and peacemaker," he said. Daccord said this when met by reporters after delivering a lecture entitled 'From Baghdad to Bangui, from Moscow to Kuala Lumpur: is there still a role for humanitarian actors?" at the Sultan Nazrin Shah Lecture Series 2014 here, Thursday. The lecture was graced by Mercy Malaysia's royal patron, Sultan of Perak, Sultan Dr Nazrin Shah. (second from right) Daccord said in ensuring humanitarian assistance was delivered effectively in disaster areas, humanitarian personnel need to be at the location and maintain very close proximity with the local communities. Meanwhile, Mercy Malaysia president Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said he hoped that the event had provided an environment to exchange ideas and best practices in order to create greater awareness and understanding on the key issues facing the humanitarian sector. "The lecture series will inculcate preparedness in the humantarian area in individuals, community and the nation. It will also enhance the generosity of individuals and corporations towards helping and providing sustainability for non-governmental organisations," he said. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Hamzah Zainuddin, Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations Director-General Md Hussin Nayan, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia Chairman Mohamed Jawhar Hassan were also present. (photoBernama) -- BERNAMA