STATEMENT BY
MR. MOHAMAD SHAHIR SABARUDIN
REPRESENTATIVE
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE FOURTH COMMITTEE OF THE 78TH SESSION OF THE UNITED
NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON THE GENERAL DEBATE ON
ITEM 53 – QUESTIONS RELATING TO INFORMATION
17 OCTOBER 2023, NEW YORK
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia congratulates you on your election as Chair of the Committee, as well as to all members of the Bureau who have been elected. Rest assured that we will render our full support and cooperation in all the work of the Committee at this session. We also appreciate the commendable efforts and results carried out so diligently by the previous Bureau led by Oman during the last session.
2. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as by Cuba on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
Mr. Chair,
3. Malaysia commends the Department of Global Strategic Communications’ important work, particularly its response to a broad range of new and ongoing challenges, such as armed conflicts, climate change, food insecurity and financial crises. Malaysia also commends the Department’s key efforts to support the United Nations agenda on issues such as sustainable development, peace and security, as well as human rights.
Mr. Chair,
4. Malaysia recognises the paramount importance of information accessibility through modern information and communications technologies (ICT). Yet, we acknowledge that the same digital platforms are being exploited to disseminate lies and hatred that constitute serious threats to our national security, governance, and social stability.
5. In this era, where the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation is rampant, our collective responsibility is heightened. There is an urgent need to address the global demand for accurate, fair, and comprehensive information, especially concerning information manipulation and disinformation propagated by certain states and individuals. Notably, we are seriously concerned about Israel's disinformation campaign regarding its aggression and atrocities against the Palestinians, which not only threatens public trust in the media, but also undermines the credibility of international institutions, including the UN.
6. During the recent High-Level Week, the Prime Minister of Malaysia expressed his serious concerns over the emergence of “new form of racism”, characterized by xenophobia, negative profiling, and wrongful stereotyping of Muslims. This has manifested into an alarming trend of hatred, discrimination, and acts of violence against Muslims and their sanctities. We are appalled by the legitimization of these acts under the guise of human rights. The burning and defilement of the holy Quran are nothing, but clear expressions of Islamophobia designed to incite and provoke hatred and conflict.
7. Considering these challenges, we reiterate our steadfast commitment to combat the spread of hatred, disinformation, and misinformation. We call for the promotion of narratives and messages fostering tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith and cultural harmony among all religions, ethnicities, and nations. We must embody the values of acceptance, tolerance, and mutual respect. We should always refer to the Golden Rule of the principle of treating others as you want to be treated.
8. In this regard, we continue to place importance on, and confidence in the Department of Global Communications, and we urge the Department to intensify its efforts in disseminating factual, objective, and reliable information. We also see the importance for the Department to continue its engagement with Member states, digital platforms and other stakeholders in the extensive work needed to develop a code of conduct for information integrity on digital platforms, as part of the effort to strengthen information integrity globally.
Mr. Chair,
9. Malaysia recognises the Department of Global Communications’ commitment to find ways to bring the UN much closer to the people it serves. The significant disparity in the utilisation of ICT has further widened the gaps between the developed and developing nations, and this will further exacerbate social and economic divides. Indeed, this digital divide is widening rather than closing due to the emergence and advancement of new technologies, and the unequal accessibility to these new technologies.
10. Malaysia believes that there is an urgent need to bridge these digital disparities, which represent a new form of inequality among states. Digital inclusion and access to information are essential to ensure that no one is left behind.
Mr. Chair,
11. Malaysia stresses the importance of mainstreaming multilingualism in all UN activities. This is vital to make UN more visible and connected with the broadest spectrum of audiences. We also believe that mainstreaming multilingualism will ensure inclusivity, diversity, and tolerance. It will also enhance the effectiveness of the work of the organisation.
12. In this regard, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Department of Global Communications for its commendable efforts in disseminating information and updates in multiple languages. We look forward to the continuation of these efforts, taking into account, and in the interests of, the linguistic diversity among states.
Mr. Chair,
13. In conclusion, Malaysia welcomes the efforts of the Department of Global Communications which has worked tirelessly and diligently to counter the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Malaysia reiterates the importance of strengthening local and global partnerships in promoting the UN’s greater communication ecosystem and its efforts to disseminate multilingual information. Malaysia stands ready to work closely with all stakeholders to complement the UN’s efforts in the field of information and communication towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and leaving no one behind.