STATEMENT : 79TH PLENARY MEETING OF THE 80TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGENDA ITEM 64: USE OF THE VETO

STATEMENT BY

AMBASSADOR DR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE 79^TH PLENARY MEETING OF THE 80^TH SESSION OF

THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

AGENDA ITEM 64: USE OF THE VETO

16 APRIL 2026

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Thank you, Madam President,

1. Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Philippines, on behalf of ASEAN.

2. Malaysia is deeply concerned over the recent escalation of military actions and retaliatory strikes across the Middle East.

3. These developments threaten regional stability, and run counter to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition on the use of force under the United Nations Charter.

4. We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, end hostilities and avoid any further escalation.

5. We acknowledge the restraint shown by Member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Such restraint is critical to ongoing efforts toward de-escalation of tensions.

6. Malaysia further stresses that responses to the conflict, must be even-handed and avoid selective attribution of responsibility. Peace cannot be built on double standard. It can only be bult on fairness, consistency and respect for international law.

7. Above all, the root causes of this conflict must be addressed. Without this, we will only continue to manage symptoms while the crisis deepens beneath the surface.

Madam President,

8. Malaysia is also deeply disturbed by the continued military attacks by Israel on Lebanon. These actions constitute serious violations of international law and directly undermine sovereignty as well as the territorial integrity of Lebanon.

9. We condemn the attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon which have caused deaths and injuries as well as damages to UNIFIL assets. These are not just attacks on a mission but on the very principles of peacekeeping and the United Nations itself. Those responsible for the attacks must be held accountable.

10. In this challenging time, however, we see a window for diplomacy. Malaysia welcomes the temporary ceasefire paving the way for negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This pause creates space for dialogue and mediation, toward a more lasting solution.

11. We also take note of emerging proposals that could serve as a basis of engagement. They must now be translated into a comprehensive peace agreement.

12. Malaysia therefore urges all parties to fully respect and implement the ceasefire in good faith, and abide by international law. Any provocative action now risks unravelling fragile progress, with consequences not only for the region, but for global economic and energy stability.

13. We commend all diplomatic and mediation efforts, including the constructive engagement by Pakistan.

14. Malaysia remains ready to support all efforts to advance peace and stability in the region. We also call for unimpeded humanitarian access to all affected civilian populations.

15. Malaysia reaffirms the importance of freedom of navigation and the security of critical maritime routes in accordance with international law.

Madam President,

16. The situation once again exposes a troubling reality. The Security Council is not functioning as it should in the face of a crisis.

17. Whether in Gaza, Lebanon or the wider Middle East, the Council has too often been unable to act decisively when it is most needed.

18. This debate, under General Assembly resolution 76/262 (Veto Initiative), provides an important platform for Member States to deliberate on matters affecting international peace and security, and to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.

19. Malaysia therefore reiterates its longstanding call for reform of the veto, with a view to its eventual abolition. A reformed, expanded, and more representative Security Council would be better equipped to discharge its responsibilities under the Charter effectively and credibly.

20. To conclude, Madam President, Malaysia urges all parties to return to the most basic principles that bind us as a global community - respect for international law, the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians above all.

Thank you.