STATEMENT BY
MS. NORDIANA ZIN ZAWAWI
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE
PLENARY MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON THE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE
WORK OF THE ORGANIZATION [ITEM 110]
7 FEBRUARY 2024
First and foremost, Malaysia joins the floor to extend our deepest condolences to the people of the Republic of Namibia, on the passing of the late President His Excellency Hage Gottfried Geingob. His legacy as a great leader, as well as his contributions to the progress and unity of Namibia will be long remembered. Our thoughts are with the Republic of Namibia during this difficult time.
Our delegation would also like to thank you Mr. President for convening this important Meeting, and the Secretary-General for the presentation of the report on the work of the organization.
Mr. President,
2. Malaysia underscores the pivotal role that the United Nations plays in fostering global cooperation and addressing the multiple challenges facing our world today. The report presented by the United Nations Secretary-General serves as a crucial roadmap for collective action. The report further reaffirms the importance of multilateralism in addressing issues that transcend borders – be it eradicating poverty, addressing conflict or tackling climate change. The Secretary-General’s report encapsulates a comprehensive analysis of our global landscape. It highlights the imperative for nations to work in concert. The challenges we face are complex and no single nation can tackle them alone.
3. Malaysia firmly believes that a rules-based international order, with the United Nations at its core, is fundamental to ensuring peace, stability, and sustainable development. Malaysia shares the concern that halfway to 2030, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals has stalled and, in some cases, even gone in reverse. In this regard, we commend the continued efforts by the United Nations to help Governments achieve the Goals. We welcome the proposals in Our Common Agenda which are aimed at turbocharging the 2030 Agenda.
Mr President,
4. Malaysia continues to attach great importance to the maintenance of international peace and security. In our region, Malaysia will continue to work closely and constructively with fellow ASEAN Member States in efforts to assist Myanmar in finding a peaceful, comprehensive, and durable solution to the ongoing crisis, as Myanmar remains an integral part of ASEAN.
5. In the Middle East, Malaysia hopes that impetus could be given towards assisting the Palestinians to attain their inalienable rights to self-determination in a free and independent State of Palestine. We honour the indispensable role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. To uphold the principles of justice and international law, Malaysia joins other countries in submitting a Written Statement for the “Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s ongoing violations in the Palestinian territory” at the ICJ. We welcome the decision by the ICJ in the case initiated by South Africa against Israel concerning the application of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Mr President,
6. The integrity and credibility of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture cannot be taken for granted. Efforts must be intensified to ensure the full and effective implementation of all obligations and commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Malaysia reaffirms that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is fully compatible with, and complementary to, the NPT. As then Co-Chair of the informal working group on TPNW universalization, Malaysia worked with South Africa in facilitating the TPNW signing and ratification ceremony under the 2022 Treaty Event.
7. Turning to the last chapter of the Report, Malaysia reiterates our stance to continue to work together in reforming the Security Council and improving its ability to respond to contemporary challenges. Equally important is revitalizing the work of the General Assembly, to make it more effective, efficient and fit-for-purpose. The Secretariat should be allocated with adequate funding and needed resources in order for it to discharge its responsibilities as mandated by Member States. Malaysia, in the same vein, is pleased to have paid in full and on time the UN's regular budget and its peacekeeping contributions.
Mr. President,
8. Let us heed the call to action outlined in the Secretary-General's report. Our commitment to reinvigorate multilateralism and strengthening global governance must be reflected in the Pact for the Future, ones that our Leaders can further seal during the Summit of the Future. As responsible members of the international community, let us redouble our efforts to build a world that is more just, inclusive, and sustainable for current and future generations.
Thank you.