STATEMENT BY MALAYSIA
ON AGENDA ITEM 16 : CULTURE OF PEACE
6 DECEMBER 2021
Mr. President,
At the outset, my delegation would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the Promotion of a Culture of Peace and Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace (A/76/357).
Mr. President,
2. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected humanity significantly. It has disrupted us economically and socially, wiping out some hard won gains of Agenda 2030 and the SDGs. It has impoverished more than 100 million people worldwide, pushing them into extreme poverty. We are also witnessing increasing trend of schism between different peoples, cultures and religions. As a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious country, Malaysia understands too well the challenges confronting the world, if this dangerous trend is not reversed.
3. Exclusion and inequalities breed instability, consume peace and disrupt sustainable development. Recognising this, the Prime Minister of Malaysia recently introduced the concept of Keluarga Malaysia or "Malaysian Family" in August to further strengthen the ethos of togetherness and inclusivity which has been embraced by Malaysia since independence. In an ethnically diverse and culturally rich country such as ours, embracing diversity has made us stronger and better-off.
4. As the Malay proverb goes, "Umpama selembar benang, dikait, ditenun dan dijalin akhirnya menjadi kain yang sempurna indahnya", which means "Like a single thread but when weaved, knitted and braided together, becomes a perfect and beautiful tapestry".
5. At times, we may forget that every single thread in that tapestry, has its purpose in a pattern of a grand design. However, now is not the time to forget. Instead, it should serve as a reminder that our differences, colours and shades if celebrated will contribute towards common good.
6. Malaysia takes an affirmative and positive approach to peace. We remain convinced that peace lies with mutual understanding, respect and tolerance among religions, cultures and peoples. Building a culture of peace is premised on equality and inclusivity such as in ensuring that people have access to food, shelter, education and decent work. In this regard, we need to ensure that the right to development is pursued and realised at the national, regional and global levels.
Mr. President,
7. The Secretary-General in his report also highlighted the rise in hate speech, extremism and xenophobia. Malaysia regrets the legitimization of extremism including Islamaphobia in some political circles that permeate the sphere of public opinion and society at large.
8. We strongly disagree with the view that defamation of religion is not an infringement of human rights. Defamation of religion constitutes a derogation of the right to belief and it is not mutually exclusive with freedom of speech and opinion.
9. Malaysia believes that both rights must be promoted and respected in a compatible and balanced manner. Understanding, tolerance and maintaining an exchange in our differences of conviction, religion and belief is vital to achieving a culture of peace. We are convinced that prejudices can be overcome through dialogue, understanding and cooperation.
Mr. President,
10. A tapestry without different colours and shapes would be dull and lifeless. The community of nations are a tapestry of diverse countries rich in different peoples, cultures and religions. Our diversity should not be seen as a threat that divide us. It should be celebrated and embraced for our common good.
11. Now is the time for us to recover and build a better and more resilient home with care. As a family of nations, we must work hand in hand, thread by thread and weave towards global peace and prosperity.
I thank you.