Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
09 November 2023 | 10:18 CAT
1-min read

During this week’s Asia-Pacific Report on Radio Islam International, Sanusha Naidu discussed the supposed discovery of a new continent, socioeconomic disparities and Malaysia’s rejection of the US sanctions bill against Hamas.

In 2017, a group of geologists announced the discovery of a new continent, Zealandia, situated near Indonesia and believed to have separated from Australia millennia ago. Naidu, Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Global Dialogue, discussed the broader implications of this discovery, highlighting its connections to climate change and the shifting global landscape.

“Continental drift has become a focal point, leading to the discovery of new continents and a deeper understanding of how climate change impacts our world,” Naidu explained. “As polar ice caps melt and sea levels rise, we’re witnessing the emergence of these new phenomena, shedding light on the intricate workings of nature.”

Naidu underscored the urgent need to tackle the pervasive inequality hindering the Asia-Pacific region’s growth. She highlighted the relevance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and raised poignant questions about the world’s failure to address global poverty and bridge the gap between wealthier and poorer nations.

Naidu further emphasised the interconnectedness of pressing issues such as climate change, humanitarian crises, and gender equality, all contributing to the deepening human development crisis worldwide.

Moreover, the interview extended to the recent stance taken by Malaysia, which rejected the US sanctions bill targeting Hamas, a move echoed by several other Asia-Pacific nations. Highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics, she emphasised the changing global narrative and the rejection of the United States’ maintenance of its role as a global underwriter of norms and standards.

“The rejection of the bill by Malaysia underscores the need for a fairer approach to international relations, raising questions about unilateral actions and selective interventions by global powers,” Naidu said.

Listen to the Asia-Pacific Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.