The former Klang MP said while China is a major greenhouse gas emitter, the republic has moved forward “significantly” in developing electric vehicles, solar panels and green technology.

Santiago said China has also developed equipment to manage water efficiently and was also investing more in renewable energy while exporting its environmentally friendly technology.

Other countries, including Malaysia, are lagging behind in terms of embracing renewable energy, he said.

“There are a lot of plans and discussions, but we have been slow in implementing a lot of vital policies.

“There’s a need for us to move aggressively,” he told FMT.

Santiago said Malaysia had dropped in rankings in the 2024 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), which evaluates mitigation efforts in 63 nations and the European Union.

According to the CCPI, which was released in December, Malaysia fell three spots to 59 and was given a “low “rating in the greenhouse gas emissions and energy use categories.

It also received a “low” rating in climate policy but maintained a “medium” rating in renewable energy.

Santiago said he intends to raise the matter about being more aggressive when it comes to greener policies at the two-day forum by the Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights, of which he is the co-chair.

The forum, titled “Climate resilience in Southeast Asia: strengthening the role of parliamentarians”, begins tomorrow.

Santiago said pushing for green energy also had economic benefits for the country, especially in view of the country’s net-zero aspirations and trend in an environmentally friendly economy.

“It would help attract foreign direct investments, especially by firms that prioritise environmentally friendly policies.”