STATEMENT BY
MR. MOHD HAFIZ BIN OTHMAN
MINISTER COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON THE Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council
clusters: i) On the size of an enlarged Council and working methods of the council; and
ii) the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly
16 MARCH 2022
Distinguished Co-Chairs,
Thank you for your continued leadership on this IGN process. Let me briefly highlight Malaysia's position concerning the two clusters before us today.
2. On the size of an enlarged Council, Malaysia supports the expansion of membership in both permanent and non-permanent categories. We see merit in the provision of seats for non-represented and under-represented regions in both categories. We also look forward to discussing further the proposed enlargement of the Security Council that consists of a total of members in the mid-20s, as reflected in the Co-Chairs' Element Paper of 2021.
3. On the working methods of the Security Council, my delegation continues to call for fair burden-sharing and equal distribution of work amongst all members of the Security Council, including in penholdership. While my delegation continues to advocate for the abolishment of the veto system, until such time, we urge for restraint on the use of the veto, especially on actions aimed to prevent and end mass atrocity crimes. At the same time, we urge the Council to ensure accountability and the full implementation of all Security Council resolutions.
4. My delegation also commends the monthly briefing of the presidency of the Council with the wider UN membership. In addition, we continue to call for greater transparency and the participation of non-Council members in public meetings and briefings.
Co-Chairs,
5. On the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly, we continue to call for enhanced relationships and interactions between the Security Council and General Assembly on matters pertaining to international peace and security. Noting that the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, it does not, and should not, act entirely in isolation without taking into account the views of the larger membership.
6. Malaysia also considers the Annual Report of the Security Council to the General Assembly as an important accountability mechanism in governing the relationship between these two important organs. We call for a more comprehensive report, one which incorporates substantive information and an in-depth analysis of the Council's work.
Co-Chairs,
7. At a time when the Council is under increased scrutiny, it is pivotal for this organ and its members to continue striving for more transparency, efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. Let me conclude by reiterating my delegation’s commitment to moving this process forward.
Thank you.