EXPLANATION OF VOTE BY
MR AZRIL ABD AZIZ
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE
ELEVENTH EMERGENCY SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (RESUMED: 7TH PLENARY MEETING)
NEW YORK, 24 MARCH 2022
Mr. President,
Malaysia voted in favour of Resolution L.2. We are deeply concerned with the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. Malaysia has been monitoring the development in and around Ukraine closely, including the humanitarian situation on the ground. We strongly urge all concerned parties to immediately take steps to de-escalate, continue to dialogue and negotiations, to prevent further loss of lives and devastation. We call for safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to those affected, within and around Ukraine. We call for the respect for and protection of civilian life and infrastructure. Malaysia urges all parties to fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Mr. President,
We also want to address what we witnessed today whereby two draft resolutions were being addressed. On the two draft resolutions that were initially tabled before of us, we 2 see similarities and merit in both texts. As such, if both were to be voted upon, we would have supported both texts by voting in favour. Malaysia is disappointed that the authors of both texts did not work together to reach an agreement on a singular text. Malaysia strongly feels that it is important to have a focused and balanced resolution that addresses the dire humanitarian situation on the ground. The tabling of two draft resolutions on the same issue today, including the procedural motion, does not convey the idea that the United Nations, international community itself, is united in expressing solidarity for those who are affected by the humanitarian crisis. This is unfortunate.
It was also glaring to note that there were no open-ended discussions with Member States at large. We felt that there should be more open-ended consultations conducted so that the authors are able to engage the larger membership of the UN in order to gain their views on the matter, especially since there were two draft resolutions on the same issue.
Malaysia reiterates the inviolability of the fundamental principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty of a country and peaceful settlement of disputes in the maintenance of international peace and security. We will continue to support international efforts to seek a peaceful and amicable solution to the conflict in the interest of maintaining regional and international peace and security, as well as promoting greater prosperity.
Thank you.