STATEMENT BY
HIS EXCELLENCY AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATIONS MEETING ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM
STRUCTURED DIALOGUE ON MODELS PROPOSED BY STATES AND GROUPS
22-23 JANUARY 2024
Distinguished Co-Chair,
Allow me to thank you Ambassador Alexander Marschik of Austria and your co-chair Ambassador Tareq Albanai of Kuwait, for this opportunity to engage constructively on this agenda. Please be assured of Malaysia’s support in this important process. We also thank the delegation of Mexico for its presentation. We are pleased with the progress of this process, and hope that this structured dialogue would lead to a negotiation, further guided by a text.
Chair,
2. We welcome the proposals contained in the Mexican model, on the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly. We believe the proposals would further enhance inclusivity and transparency of the Security Council and its work. Malaysia underscores the importance of greater coordination and transparency between the two bodies. Regular consultations with relevant regional organizations within a common framework are imperative towards efforts in mediation and peacebuilding.
3. Malaysia in principle, supports the expansion of membership, both permanent and non-permanent. The enlarged Council should contain fair regional representation to reflect current geo-political realities. We advocate for a Security Council that is more legitimate, representative, and democratic so it can respond effectively to the emerging threats of international peace and security.
4. On the question of veto, Malaysia is of the view that we, as a start may consider restricting the use of veto in situations involving mass atrocities such as genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, but we maintain that ultimately, the veto needs to be abolished altogether.
Chair,
5. Let me conclude by urging all Member States to demonstrate openness and flexibility in the interest of improving the effectiveness, legitimacy and trust in the UN multilateral system. Thank you.
