STATEMENT BY
MR. MUHAMMAD FALAH AZIZAN
COUNSELLOR
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE FOURTH COMMITTEE OF THE 74TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON AGENDA ITEM 50: UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST
NEW YORK, 11 NOVEMBER 2019
Mr. Chairman,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Republic of Azerbaijan on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
2. Malaysia continues to support the work and mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). We remain convinced that the Agency plays a pivotal role in preserving the rights and dignity of 5.4 million Palestine refugees.
Mr. Chairman,
3. Malaysia is deeply concerned over the deteriorating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory highlighted in the report of the UNRWA Commissioner-General A/74/13. The increase in violence attacks have severely disrupted the Agency’s ability in providing basic services to Palestinians particularly in health and education. Malaysia is equally concerned with continuous restrictions and challenges faced by UNRWA personnel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
4. Malaysia calls on the restoration of the inalienable rights of Palestinians, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. We also reject any unilateral action regarding the final status of Jerusalem.
Mr. Chairman,
5. Malaysia remains steadfast with the international community to stand in solidarity with our Palestinians brothers and sisters. This must be our collective responsibility to alleviate the sufferings especially of the most vulnerable segment of the Palestinian people. Malaysia has been providing assistance to the Government and the people of Palestine, both financially and in kind, including through UNRWA. This effort has also been supported by various non-governmental organizations in Malaysia. Malaysia will continue to provide assistance to the Palestinian people within our capacity and means.
6. In closing, my delegation wishes to reaffirm its support to the three-year mandate renewal of the Agency and calls upon other Member States to do the same. The renewal of the UNRWA’s mandate by the General Assembly is pertinent to enable it to continue fulfilling its important and noble role in providing vital services to the Palestinian refugees.
I thank you, Mr. Chairman.