INTERVENTION BY
MR. MOHD HAFIZ BIN OTHMAN
MINISTER COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON THE DRAFT OUTCOME DOCUMENT OF THE 75TH IGN ON THE Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council
NEW YORK, 4 MAY 2021
Madame Co-Chairs,
My delegation wishes to commend your continued efforts in the IGN process. We also thank you for the proposed outcome document entitled “Co-Chairs Elements Paper on Convergences and Divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters”.
2. As we begin our discussion on the draft outcome document today, allow me to reiterate my delegation's position in calling for text-based negotiations in moving the IGN process forward.
Madame Co-Chairs,
3. With regard to the proposed draft outcome document for this session, my delegation wishes to highlight our preliminary views as follows:
- We note that the draft paper offers a better reflection of Member States' positions, with a clear distinction between elements of convergence and divergence. We believe that this new format provides more clarity and guidance for delegations to undertake the negotiation process next year. Although we envisage a more result-oriented draft outcome document, we consider this draft paper a small step in the right direction.
- We also commend the clear emphasis on the principle of democracy as an important principle in Member States' efforts to reform the Council. We trust that Member States will embrace this principle throughout our negotiations today and in the future. In this connection, we join others in calling for more engagements and meetings of the IGN this session to further refine the draft outcome document.
- On the section question of veto, we would like to seek clarification on the term "progressive restraint" as reflected in the paper. In particular, we want to know if it entails various positions of Member States concerning the use of the veto. You may wish to recall that while my delegation continues to advocate for abolishing the veto system, we reiterate our call that the veto power in its current format should not be exercised by just one permanent member but by at least two permanent members and supported by three non-permanent members of the Security Council. The General Assembly should then support the decision with a simple majority. We put forward this proposal as we believe it will provide the necessary checks and balances, which reflects the principles of transparency and accountability in the decision-making process. We hope that this proposal can be reflected in the paper for further consideration of Member States.
Madame Co-Chairs,
4. Let me conclude by assuring you of Malaysia's commitment to moving this process forward. At the same time, we call on others to be pragmatic and demonstrate openness, flexibility, and political will in our collective effort to reform the Security Council.
I thank you.