STATEMENT BY
MR SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE HIGH-LEVEL OPEN DEBATE OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL: “REAFFIRMING
INTERNATIONAL RULE OF LAW: PATHWAYS TO REINVIGORATING PEACE, JUSTICE, AND MULTILATERALISM”
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, NEW YORK, 26 JANUARY 2026
Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate. Malaysia expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General and the briefers for their valuable insights. We align ourself with the statement on behalf of ASEAN.
President,
2. Malaysia firmly believes that this debate is both timely and essential, particularly in light of recent events that starkly demonstrate the concerning trend of disregarding the rule of law, with impunity. Today, we are witnessing blatant acts that erode the very foundations of international law – foundations that we, the international community has painstakingly built and upheld over decades.
3. Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine and its systematic atrocities against the Palestinian people, which are brazen violations of international law, including international human rights and humanitarian laws, are clear examples. In addition, we have been witnessing increasing violations of international law, and the sidelining of the United Nations through unilateral actions, and the detestable flexing of power.
4. Could we be at the onset of a dangerous breakdown of the international world order based on international law, and regressing into a world where only might is right?
President,
5. The United Nations was established with a clear mandate: to maintain international peace and security, to prevent conflict, and to uphold international law. Yet, this mandate remains severely constrained, particularly within the Security Council, where the repeated use of the veto, or the threat thereof, by permanent members has undermined its effectiveness and because of it, the United Nations’ credibility.
4. Malaysia therefore reiterates that upholding the rule of law within the United Nations system must begin with meaningful institutional reform, especially of the Security Council. Persistent concerns relating to accountability, transparency, and equitable representation demonstrate the urgent need to align United Nations structures with contemporary global realities.
President,
5. Malaysia maintains its longstanding position that reform of the Security Council is no longer optional but an absolute necessity. While immediate measures to regulate the use of the veto are necessary, Malaysia firmly believes that the veto has no place in a modern, democratic multilateral system and should ultimately be abolished. Such reform is essential to restore confidence in the international legal order and to prevent its further erosion. It is the only way to ensure equality of all sovereign states before the law.
6. In conclusion, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to strengthening the rule of law, upholding human rights, and advancing justice at both the national and international levels.
I thank you.