Nurul Izzah urges Southeast Asian nations to tackle haze with greater maturity

At the opening of the third Southeast Asia Dialogue Cities Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Nurul Izzah Anwar expressed disappointment that the region, though enjoying peace, has not handled the haze issue maturely. Izzah, also deputy president of PKR, highlighted the need for independent religious voices to stay truthful and free from political pressure, citing their influence on her own upbringing. She invoked the Maqasid Shariah principle, asserting that leaders must safeguard forests, the environment, and citizens.

The conference, co-hosted by the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) and the Allied Coordinating Council of Islamic NGOs Malaysia (ACCIN), features delegates from Bangkok, Davao, Singapore and Yogyakarta. Its theme, "Shared Futures: Dialogue for Resilient and Inclusive Cities," focuses on how interfaith and intercultural dialogue can address shared challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence. The gathering will conclude on Oct 28 with joint proposals for action.