STATEMENT BY
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE “UPHOLDING THE UNITED NATIONS CHARTER TO MAINTAIN INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY”
NEW YORK, 9 JANUARY 2020
Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to congratulate Viet Nam, represented today by H.E. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of January and commend the convening of this timely and important debate.
2. My delegation aligns itself with the statements to be made by Azerbaijan and the Philippines on behalf of NAM and ASEAN, respectively.
Mr. President,
3. Today’s debate is being held against the backdrop of rising hatred and mistrust, increasing threat of extremism and terrorism as well as continued proliferation and possession of weapons of mass destruction. These security threats are shared, so too must their solutions.
4. A few days ago, we were highly alarmed by the geopolitical tension in the Middle East. Malaysia has always believed that all efforts should be undertaken to resolve disputes or conflicts through peaceful means in accordance with principles of international law without resorting to use of force or threat of use of force. We join others in calling for all parties concerned to avoid further provocation, exercise maximum restraint and de-escalate tensions.
Mr. President,
5. Malaysia continues to believe that multilateralism is none other than responding to the aspirations of the peoples and the needs of humanity, as a whole. The Preamble of the United Nations Charter “we the peoples” serves as a constant reminder of our resolve to serve humanity collectively - through peaceful means. It is, therefore, fundamental for us to reaffirm our faith in multilateralism with the UN at its core - by upholding its Charter and advancing its three pillars of Peace and Security, Human Rights and Development.
6. In our view, multilateralism does not represent, in any sense, a threat to nation states. Instead, we see it as a platform and means to address the complex challenges that no country could overcome on its own. Our strong commitment to multilateralism, and in particular in international cooperation on peace and security, is well demonstrated and articulated during our membership on this Council. We had the honour to serve on this Council on four previous occasions – the most recent being in 2015 and 2016. We have also been consistent in sending our men and women to peacekeeping operations in support of peace processes around the world.
7. As a member of ASEAN, Malaysia will remain steadfast in contributing to regional and global peace and security. ASEAN’s strong commitment to this important agenda is also demonstrated through the membership of two ASEAN countries in the Council today. We stand ready to enhance existing ASEAN-UN collaboration in peacekeeping and peacebuilding, through training programmes and exchanges on policies and best practices.
Mr President,
8. There is high expectation for the Security Council to deliver in bringing stability, peace, and security to the world. At the same time, there is a growing demand for the Council to adapt to new political realities. Many have also questioned the Council’s transparency and accountability when it comes to interaction with the wider UN membership. In this regard, Malaysia continues to call for collective efforts to reforming the Security Council and improving its working methods.
9. Malaysia also wishes to stress the importance of prompt, effective and full implementation of Security Council resolutions.
Mr. President,
10. The survival of humanity depends on us working together. We need cooperation and not confrontation. Malaysia has been and will continue to be a strong supporter of multilateralism and an advocate for the use of diplomacy for peace. To this end, we remain committed to upholding rule of law and rules-based international order, and supporting international cooperation. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, Malaysia calls on all parties to intensifyefforts in upholding the UN Charter, engage in frank and productive dialogue, and to strengthen multilateral action for a more peaceful, secure and sustainable world.
I thank you, Mr. President.
