STATEMENT BY
MR. MOHD HAFIZ OTHMAN
MINISTER COUNSELOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON THE REVITALISATION OF THE WORK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (AHWG)
THEMATIC DEBATE: ROLE AND AUTHORITY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 12 APRIL 2022
Co-Chairs,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Algeria on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
2. At the outset, I wish to thank the representative of the Department of Global Communications (DGC) for his briefing.
3. Malaysia welcomes the Secretariat’s continued efforts in increasing the visibility of the General Assembly, including in promoting public awareness through various outreach and engagement programmes. Moving forward, we encourage more complementary and innovative collaboration between the Office of the PGA and the DGC in promoting the work of not just the General Assembly but also its Main Committees and subsidiary bodies.
Co-Chairs,
4. While we continue working towards strengthening the role and authority of the General Assembly, it is equally important for us, Member States, to observe and embrace the spirit of multilateralism, inclusivity, and transparency in conducting our work at this universal organ.
5. It is worth recalling that the primacy, credibility, and authority of the General Assembly are manifested by its unique character as the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN. Additionally, the General Assembly resolutions, decisions, and recommendations reflect the weight of world opinion.
6. In this connection, my delegation continues to call on all Member States to preserve the inclusive, consultative, and democratic nature of this organ. Specifically, we note that, in recent times, some General Assembly resolutions were tabled for action at the General Assembly before inclusive and transparent consultations are conducted with the wider Member States. Without prejudice to the outcome of the proposal or resolution, we strongly believe that the penholder should offer all Member States the opportunity to engage and listen to each other’s views prior to the action of any proposals.
Co-Chairs,
7. My delegation also remains convinced that one of the ways to preserve and enhance the role of the General Assembly is by ensuring the implementation of its resolutions, including those related to the revitalisation process. The improvement of the working methods of the General Assembly and its Main Committees and the synergies between them are likewise pivotal. Malaysia also continues to support the imperative and complementary roles of other principal organs in advancing the three pillars of the UN within their respective mandates as enshrined in the UN Charter.
8. We also support the mainstreaming of gender equality in General Assembly meetings, resolutions, and outcomes, including in the appointment of facilitators under the ambit of the PGA. At the same time, such appointments should respect the principle of equal geographical representation.
Co-Chairs,
9. Let me conclude by reiterating Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to preserve the role and authority of this universal organ and in its revitalisation efforts.
I thank you.