STATEMENT (6C) : ON AGENDA ITEM 82: CONSIDERATION OF EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO ENHANCE THE PROTECTION, SECURITY AND SAFETY OF DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MIS

STATEMENT BY

MR. AHMAD GHAZALI BIN MUHAMAD NADZRI

REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE SIXTH COMMITTEE OF THE

79^TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBY

ON AGENDA ITEM 82:

CONSIDERATION OF EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO ENHANCE THE PROTECTION, SECURITY AND SAFETY OF DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS AND REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. Chair,

Malaysia thanks the Secretary-General for his report on this agenda item, as contained in document A/79/143.

2. We note that 11 Members States have submitted their reports on severe violations of the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives as well as missions and representatives with diplomatic status to international governmental organisations. We also note that seven (7) Member States had responded to the Secretary-General concerning any measures needed or already taken to enhance the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives as well as missions and representatives with diplomatic status to international governmental organisations.

3. Malaysia continues to support and emphasise the responsibility of Host Countries in according appropriate safety and protection to diplomatic and consular missions and their representatives.

4. Domestically, Malaysia and its relevant security authorities continue to engage with the diplomatic officials and missions as well as monitor security issues involving them, to ensure that appropriate protection and security assistance are accorded efficiently. Incidents relating to the protection, security and safety of diplomatic officials and missions are assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on the merits and needs of each situation faced by the particular diplomatic official and mission.

5. Malaysia complies with its international obligations in providing the necessary protection, security and safety to foreign missions and their representatives as well as duly accredited representatives of recognised international intergovernmental organisations, as required by the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the 1973 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents and the related Protocols to which we are Party to.

6. Our domestic criminal laws such as the 2002 Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act and the 1992 Extradition Act provide for domestic prosecution and international cooperation to investigate and prosecute the crimes prescribed under the Diplomatic Agents Convention. Apart from these two Acts, there are also other applicable laws which generally protect individuals from any untoward incidents, such as the Malaysian Penal Code.

7. In conclusion, Malaysia remains committed in maintaining and enhancing the protection, security, and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives. We encourage other States to fulfill their obligations under the international conventions related to the safeguarding of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives.

I thank you.