STATEMENT BY
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE ELEVENTH EMERGENCY SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 1 MARCH 2022
Mr. President,
Malaysia is seriously concerned over the escalation of military conflict in Ukraine. Malaysia regrets the inability of the Security Council in exercising its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security; hence, the necessity of this emergency special session of the UN General Assembly.
2. We understand the legitimate security concerns of all parties. Nevertheless, in any circumstances all parties must abide and respect the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, as enshrined in the UN Charter and international law. Any violation of this sacrosanct principle is unacceptable.
3. It is clear that in conflict situations, no solution can be found at the end of the barrel of a gun. At this critical juncture, we call on all parties to exercise restraint, take concrete steps to de-escalate and pursue dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully. Malaysia, therefore, welcomes the direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Belarus on 28 February 2022. We hope that the talks will continue and bring about a speedy resolution to the conflict to prevent further loss of lives and devastation.
4. Malaysia also calls on all parties to refrain from taking unilateral actions that may aggravate tensions and have far reaching regional and global consequences.
5. We are also deeply concerned on reports about nuclear arsenals being put on high alert status. We call on all nuclear weapon states to adhere to their Joint Statement of 3rd January 2022 on preventing nuclear war and avoiding arms races. Malaysia fully supports the affirmation that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought”. We further urge nuclear weapon states to pursue action towards de-alerting, risk reduction, and to implement their commitments and obligations related to nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.
6. With the dire situation on the ground, Malaysia urges all parties to ensure the protection and well-being of the people, in particular women, children, and other vulnerable segments of society. This must also be our immediate priority. In this context, we call on all parties to respect the relevant provisions of international humanitarian and human rights laws.
Mr. President,
7. Malaysia is also speaking today having suffered the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine with the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 eight years ago. 298 innocent lives were lost in that tragedy. We continue to remember and mourn them. We will also continue joint efforts with our partners to seek justice and accountability in accordance with the rule of law and in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2166 (2014).
8. Malaysia reiterates our commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, guided by the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law in the interest of maintaining regional and international peace and security, as well as promoting greater prosperity. In this connection, Malaysia will vote in favour of the draft resolution which is now before the Assembly.
I thank you.