STATEMENT BY
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON AGENDA ITEM 112:
MEASURES TO ELIMINATE INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
AT THE SIXTH COMMITTEE OF THE
77TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 3 OCTOBER 2022
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, let me congratulate you on your election as Chair of the Sixth Committee. Please be assured of my delegation’s cooperation throughout the work of the Committee.
2. My delegation wishes to align our statement with that made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Kingdom of Cambodia on behalf of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). We also thank the Secretary General for his report A/77/185, which allows all of us to be updated on various measures undertaken by Member States and international organisations regarding the prevention and suppression of international terrorism, as well as information on incidents caused by international terrorism.
3. Malaysia welcomes the inaugural United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism that was held on 8 to 9 September 2022. Under the theme of “Advancing the Rights and Needs of Victims of Terrorism”, the Global Congress provides an important platform for dialogue and engagement on a victim-centric approach to countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism conducive to terrorism. Malaysia further welcomes the initiative by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) to launch the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VOTAN) tentatively in 2023. VOTAN will bring together victims, victims associations and civil society organisations to work together to support the needs of victims and survivors of terrorism.
Mr. Chair,
4. Malaysia joins other delegations in strongly condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including acts in which States were directly or indirectly involved. Terrorist acts are a flagrant violation of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, in particular the right to life. Such acts endanger the territorial integrity and stability of States and national, regional and international security, and has adverse consequences for the economic and social development of States.
5. In that regard, Malaysia continues to focus its primary counter-terrorism efforts on preventive and prescriptive measures. Malaysia has responded positively to the international call for cooperation to combat terrorism by strengthening its legal framework to implement the international counter-terrorism conventions and protocols. Our efforts are further strengthened through cooperation with foreign law enforcement authorities in their investigations and criminal prosecutions of alleged terrorists and their activities.
Mr. Chair,
6. Malaysia is a party to 11 of the international counter-terrorism conventions and protocols. At the regional level, Malaysia is a party to the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism (“ACCT”).
7. In countering terrorism, Malaysia has tried and convicted offenders for various offences related to terrorism as prescribed under Chapter VI A of the Penal Code. Malaysia is committed to preventing and combating all facets of terrorism as it takes the adage of “security for one is security for all” seriously. The offences include having possession of items associated with terrorist groups (punishable under section 130 JB(1) (a) of the Penal Code); travelling from Malaysia to foreign country for the purpose of commission of a terrorist act (section 130JA); knowingly dealing with, directly or indirectly, any terrorist property (section 130Q (1)); as well as giving support to terrorist groups (section 130J (1) (a)). Malaysia will continue to prosecute offenders for acts of terrorism in the future.
8. Given the threat of online radicalisation and recruitment to the general public, especially the youths, the importance of winning the “hearts and minds” in the psychological war against terrorism cannot be understated. The Southeast Asia Regional Centre on Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) based in Kuala Lumpur continues to actively engage the public through its counter-messaging initiatives. Various outreach programmes are also being held at the national level to educate the masses not only on the dangers of terrorism but also on ways to remain safe online as well awareness on indicators of active radicalisation and recruitment.
9. Malaysia has also remained vigilant of the threat of terrorism financing, and is determined to ensure that Malaysia will not be part of the supply chain of any attack in other countries. At present, Malaysia has several cases of terrorism financing that are under active investigation for prosecution purposes.
Mr. Chair,
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)
10. Malaysia remains flexible and supportive to the issue of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. We reiterate that the Conference would serve as an important way forward to address the challenges handicapping global counter-terrorism efforts, and its convening should not hinge on the conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
11. Malaysia continues its support for the Sixth Committee to establish a working group to finalise the conclusion of the CCIT. We also support all dialogue and efforts to resolve outstanding issues during the intersessional period.
Mr. Chair,
12. The scourge of terrorism continues to affect international peace and security. Malaysia reiterates its commitment to continue working, including within the UN framework, towards preventing and eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We will continue to cooperate constructively in discussions of this august body to see a world free from the threat of terrorism.
Thank you.