STATEMENT BY
HIS EXCELLENCY SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
DURING THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON
AGENDA ITEM 25: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 29 SEPTEMBER 2022
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, my delegation wishes to congratulate you on your election as the Chair of the Third Committee. Malaysia stands ready to support you and engage constructively throughout the session of the Committee. We align ourselves with the statements delivered by Vietnam on behalf of ASEAN, and Pakistan on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and wish to add the following remarks in our national capacity.
Mr. Chair,
2. Our world is facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the 3Cs – COVID-19, conflict, and climate change. They had rolled back progress made by countries in various areas, including social development. As a result, inequalities have been widened, subjecting many individuals and families to poverty and hunger. Malaysia was also not spared.
3. Concrete actions are needed more than ever to reverse these alarming trends. To mitigate these effects and alleviate the difficulties faced by the people, the Malaysian Government unveiled the 12th Malaysia Plan for the term 2021-2025 with the theme “A prosperous, inclusive, sustainable Malaysia”. This latest Plan, crafted in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, amongst others, includes the empowerment of target groups such as women, youth, the elderly, indigenous peoples as well as persons with disabilities (PWDs), with a view of achieving equitable prosperity, in line with the principle of leaving no one behind or neglected in development. It also outlines a number of objectives, one of which is the eradication of hardcore poverty by 2025.
Mr. Chair,
4. In empowering women, Malaysia aims to boost the Female Labour Force Participation rate from 55.6 percent to 59 percent by 2025. We endeavour to increase economic participation and enhance the role of women in decision-making. Their participation in all sectors will be elevated via multiple economic platforms, amongst others, the sharing economy and entrepreneurship development. Relevant laws will also be reviewed to ensure that women are better protected.
5. Recognising the critical role of youth as the future of the nation, Malaysia is introducing a new national plan on youth economic empowerment to provide strategic direction in improving youth employability. This plan will cover, amongst others, training and skills upgrading including digitalisation, job creation as well as sharing of information on available financing facilities.
6. Malaysia is also undertaking efforts in preparation of becoming an ageing society by 2030. Such efforts include introducing laws to protect the rights of older persons, establishing a comprehensive long-term care framework, enhancing quality and services of caregivers as well as invigorating the social care industry. We are also looking into creating more elderly-friendly cities in the future.
7. Malaysia also attaches importance to the meaningful participation of its indigenous population, or Orang Asli, in the country’s socioeconomic development. As such, we will be introducing a fresh comprehensive development approach for this community, with a renewed focus on education. We are also reviewing with the view to formulate a new socioeconomic development plan, focusing on poverty reduction as well as expanding basic infrastructure, amenities and services.
8. Malaysia also endeavours to continue empowering PWDs through dedicated employment and entrepreneurship programmes. Local authorities will be further encouraged to adopt the universal design principle to improve accessibility to public facilities for PWDs. Insurance protection coverage for PWDs, including their caregivers, will be reviewed to strengthen social protection for them.
Mr. Chair,
9. Malaysia remains committed towards ensuring the well-being of its people. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that no part of our society is left out. We are keen to collaborate with other Member States, multilateral institutions and the private sector towards achieving this goal.
I thank you.