STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR DR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD,
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
AT THE
SECRETARY GENERAL'S MEETING WITH MEMBER STATES
THE CURRENT SITUATION AND CHALLENGES FOR UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS IN THE RUN-UP
TO THE PEACEKEEPING MINISTERIAL
2 MAY 2025
Thank you Chair,
Secretary General
Thank you for convening this meeting.
Chair,
2. Malaysia has always been a strong supporter of UN peacekeeping operations. Since our first involvement in UN peacekeeping in 1960, Malaysia has taken part in over 38 peacekeeping operations, and deployed around 40,000 peacekeepers from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP).
3. Malaysia looks forward to the upcoming UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting in Berlin in May. Malaysia’s delegation will be led by the Minister of Defence, who will be accompanied by senior officials, including from amongst Malaysian Armed Forces senior leadership. Malaysia’s high level delegation signals our continued strong commitment to this important process, and the UN peacekeeping agenda, more generally.
Chair,
4. In our endeavour to ensure sustained relevance and effectiveness of UN Peacekeeping, Malaysia wishes to underline five points:
5. First, we agree that it is absolutely critical that financial contributions are being paid in full and on time.
6. Second, the safety and security of UN peacekeepers in conflict zones are paramount. Threats and attacks against UN peacekeepers must not be tolerated. Malaysia is deeply concerned about recent threats and attacks on UN peacekeepers in various missions, including UNIFIL.
7. Third, Malaysia strongly believes in the critical role of training, especially those focusing on enhancing interoperability, knowledge sharing, and improving the safety and effectiveness of peacekeepers. In addition, capacity building and the provision of specialised equipment are also essential.
8. Fourth, Malaysia wishes to underline the importance of enhanced cooperation and partnerships between the UN, regional and sub-regional organisations, as well as host states, to enhance the adaptability of peacekeeping operations.
9. Fifth, the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda must continue to be supported. Equal participation of women in peace processes is crucial.
10. In line with the five concerns already highlighted, Malaysia will announce its new pledge during the upcoming Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting. The pledges will cover Uniformed Capabilities, Peacekeeping Training, Capacity Building and Partnerships, including in Safety and Security of Peacekeepers, medical capabilities and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
11. To conclude, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peacekeeping efforts under the United Nations' ambit. We stand ready to strengthen our cooperation with other Member States and look forward to having a productive engagement in the upcoming Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting.
I thank you.
