STATEMENT BY
MS. NUR AZURA ABD KARIM
COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE
OF THE 80TH SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 6 OCTOBER 2025
Mr. Chair,
I join other delegations in congratulating you and members of your Bureau upon taking office in this 80th session. We trust your able stewardship and assure you of my delegation’s undivided support and cooperation throughout this session.
2. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements of the G77 and China, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Group of Friends of the Family.
Mr. Chair,
3. The international community continues to navigate a complex landscape shaped by interlinked challenges such as conflict, economic uncertainty, widening social disparities, and climate change. These multifaceted crises have disrupted lives, displaced populations, and strained public institutions and resources. They underscore the imperative of reinvigorating multilateralism, strengthening global partnerships, and advancing sustainable and inclusive development for all. Malaysia believes that only through collective resolve and solidarity can we build a more resilient, equitable and prosperous global community.
4. In Malaysia, we have transitioned from pandemic recovery to long term resilience building under the MADANI Economy Framework. It seeks to restructure the national economy towards higher competitiveness and inclusivity, while ensuring that growth translates into tangible improvements in the quality of life for all Malaysians. Guided by the principles of good governance and shared prosperity, the framework sets ambitious ten-year targets to elevate Malaysia among the world’s top economies, enhance labour participation, narrow income gaps, and strengthen social protection.
5. Moving forward, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) themed “Recalibrating Development”, tabled before the Parliament on 31 July 2025, provides a strategic
framework to implement the goals of the MADANI economy. The 13MP charts a strategic course for the nation, built upon four core pillars that encompass 27 strategic priorities. These are designed to advance economic complexity, enhance social mobility, accelerate public sector reform, and promote both societal well-being and environmental sustainability.
Mr Chair,
6. Malaysia continues to place strong emphasis on social development and the protection of vulnerable groups. Through the National Social Policy (DSN2030) and targeted assistance schemes, we have expanded coverage for low-income households, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities. Another key focus in Malaysia’s social development strategy is digital inclusion. Through national initiatives such as Malaysia’s Digital Economy Blueprint, we aim to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all citizens can benefit from the digital age.
7. On women’s empowerment, Malaysia remains steadfast in promoting gender equality and strengthening women’s voices in decision-making. The revised National Women’s Policy and Women’s Development Plan 2025-2030 reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to uphold and elevate the status of women in the country. We are proud that women now occupy 39.3% of decision-making positions in the public sector while 31.4% of board seats in the top 100 listed companies are now occupied by women, meeting our 2030 national target, four years ahead of schedule.
8. Recognising that gender-based violence undermines women’s rights and social stability, Malaysia has strengthened its legal and institutional framework through key reforms. The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 established the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) to provide accessible redress for victims. In 2023, stalking was criminalised, allowing for protection orders and enhanced enforcement. Comprehensive helplines and safe spaces continue to provide vital support for victims nationwide.
Mr. Chair,
9. At a time where unity and solidarity is most critical, Malaysia is concerned with increased reports of intolerance, racism, hate speech, religious discrimination and xenophobia around the world. Our multi-ethnic and multi-religious society remains the cornerstone of Malaysia’s strength. Guided by the Malaysia MADANI values; sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and compassion, we continue to promote social harmony and unity in diversity. In this vein, Malaysia calls on the international community to come together to condemn and counter such acts of intolerance and divisiveness.
Mr. Chair,
10. On the regional front, Malaysia remains concerned with the predicament faced by Rohingya refugees as well as the internally displaced in the Rakhine state. To date,
Malaysia continues to host hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees and provide them with assistance such as access to basic healthcare and education. Malaysia has provided such assistance based on humanitarian grounds, despite not being a State Party to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees. We therefore urgently call on all signatories to the Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol to fulfil their obligations for proportionate burden and responsibility sharing.
11. As the current Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia is working within the ASEAN framework, in encouraging Myanmar to take more concrete steps to resolve both the current political situation and the Rohingya issue. We reaffirm that upholding the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus is a vital pathway toward a peaceful and lasting political resolution in Myanmar and call on the international community to support ASEAN-led mechanisms in resolving the Myanmar crisis.
Mr. Chair,
12. Another issue of importance is the plight of the Palestinian people. Malaysia is deeply alarmed by the escalating humanitarian crisis and ongoing violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Gaza. The indiscriminate attacks against civilians, obstructions to humanitarian aid, man-made famine, forced displacements, and destruction of essential infrastructure are unacceptable and must end immediately. The international community bears a moral and legal duty to ensure accountability for the atrocities committed and uphold justice for the Palestinian people. Malaysia reiterates its unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest to realise their inalienable rights, including the right to self determination through an independent State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
13. In conclusion, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, social development, and ensuring that no one is left behind in our collective pursuit of peace, justice, and sustainable progress. Guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter and the spirit of Malaysia MADANI, we will continue to work constructively with all Member States, UN agencies, and partners to uphold dignity, equality, and respect for all. Together, let us strengthen multilateral cooperation to build a more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient global community.
I thank you.