STATEMENT BY
MR. MUHAMMAD ZUHAILI MAT RANI REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE SIXTH COMMITTEE OF THE 80TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON AGENDA ITEM 85: THE SCOPE AND APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF UNIVERSAL JURISDICTION
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK, 21 OCTOBER 2025
Mr. Chair,
1. Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Iran on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM). Malaysia expresses our profound gratitude to the Secretary General for the Report on the topic "The Scope and Application of the Principle of Universal Jurisdiction" which was prepared pursuant to the General Assembly resolution 79/127. Malaysia notes that as in previous years, the integral part of the present Report is formed by the comments of Governments and organizations on the scope and application of universal jurisdiction on the basis of relevant national legal rules, applicable international treaties and judicial practice.
2. Malaysia has previously submitted its views on the foundation and scope of universal jurisdiction, including its application under domestic legislation. We have consistently provided substantive comments, shared relevant legal information, and raised pertinent concerns regarding the principle’s implementation. Malaysia reaffirms that its submissions dated 16 December 2016 and 12 May 2023, along with all submissions and intervening statements in between, remain valid and relevant. Malaysia stands ready to update the Committee should there be any changes to its domestic legal framework, international obligations, or judicial practice.
3. Based on Member States’ submission thus far, Malaysia acknowledges the diversity of perspectives expressed and recognizes the varied implementation of the principle across national jurisdictions and judicial systems. In this regard, we reiterate our position that a common understanding and international consensus on the principle is essential. It is therefore imperative to continue soliciting the views of all Member States to ensure that throughout the consideration of the topic, the gap of the differences between Member States can be narrowed and guarantee that States' sovereignty and territorial integrity are protected and fully respected. The final outcome should reflect broad representation and integrate the contributions of all Member States.
4. Malaysia further observes that from 2009 till to date, slightly more than 70 Member States have submitted their views on the scope and application of the principle within the context of their domestic legislation. The lack of response underscores the need for broader engagement. Malaysia reiterates that it is timely for the Committee to consider an analysis of the underlying causes of this low response rate and explore constructive pathways forward. Notwithstanding, we underscore the importance of continued fact
finding efforts to develop a clearer and more coherent understanding of the principle’s scope and application.
5. Malaysia also reaffirms its commitment to actively participate in constructive and substantive deliberations on the various dimensions of the topic guided by the Secretary General’s Report and conducted in a spirit of mutual respect for the views and positions of all Member States.
Thank you.