STATEMENT BY
MR. MOHD HAFIZ BIN OTHMAN
MINISTER COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE 5TH THEMATIC CONSULTATION ON THE “OUR COMMON AGENDA” REPORT UNDER THE THEME, “ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION”
NEW YORK, 10 MARCH 2022
Thank you, Mr. Vice President,
Allow me to briefly highlight Malaysia’s comments on some of the proposals that we discuss today.
2. First: On the strengthening of the UN, we strongly support the call by the Secretary-General for Member States to meet their financial obligations in full and on time in order to enable our Organisation to execute its mandate in the most effective and efficient manner. Malaysia, in this regard, has been consistent in fulfilling this important obligation, and we are pleased to be included in the honor roll for the past few years.
3. Second: On the reform of the principal organs of the UN, Malaysia reaffirms its positions that the reform process must be driven by Member States. It is crucial to embrace and uphold the UN’s character as an intergovernmental organisation, but at the same time, as pointed out by the Secretary-General this afternoon, my delegation believes that Member States can hugely benefit from the perspectives and experiences of relevant stakeholders such as civil society organisations.
4. Third: On accountability for human rights violations and the role of public and private entities. We urge Member States and relevant stakeholders to take necessary steps to ensure that no business enterprises are involved in activities linked to human rights violations, such as those reflected in the report on business and human rights in settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, issued by the UN Human Rights Office. In this respect, we urge all Member States and the UN system to stay away from bias and selectivity when it comes to violations of international law and the UN Charter. We must ensure that states, institutions and entities, public or private, are accountable for any human rights violations.
5. In closing, my delegation believes that it is equally important to have clarity on the way forward. While these “listening exercise” involving various stakeholders and actors is beneficial, my delegation believes that Member States under the guidance of the PGA may need to kickstart the intergovernmental negotiations on the recommendations contained in the OCA report as soon as possible. In this regard, Malaysia proposes that we identify and consider selected proposals that require urgent attention and consideration by Member States this year and roll over the consideration of other proposals subsequently.
Thank you.