STATEMENT BY
HIS EXCELLENCY SYED MOHD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON ITEM 125: QUESTION OF EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION ON AND INCREASE IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL
PLENARY MEETING OF THE 77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
17 NOVEMBER 2022, NEW YORK
Mr. President,
Let me begin by thanking the previous Co-Chairs, Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani and Ambassador Martin Bille Hermann for their unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership during the 76th session. Malaysia joins others in congratulating Ambassador Michal Mlynár, Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic and Ambassador Tareq Al- Banai, Permanent Representative of Kuwait on their appointment as the Co-Chairs for the 77th session.
Mr. President,
2. Rome was not built in a day, and understandably, reforming the Security Council will not happen overnight. The aspiration to reform the Council has been far too long, yet the progress has been incremental with no substantial concrete movement in sight. Clearly, we have to do more. The call for the Security Council that is legitimate, well - represented, democratic, accountable and transparent was repeated by many Member States at the recent High-Level Week. The call was one of the commonalities underscored by the PGA at the conclusion of the General Debate.
3. Malaysia commends the commitment displayed by fellow Member States in the intergovernmental negotiations held thus far. This commitment has become more pertinent as we prepare for the Summit of the Future in 2024. In this context, Malaysia wishes to reaffirm its consistent call for a text-based negotiation as we believe it constitutes the ideal step forward to instil new life in this reform process. At the same time, we are open to exploring possible format or alternative that would facilitate the advancement of the 14 years old IGN process.
Mr. President,
4. Malaysia supports a comprehensive reform, both in terms of its working methods and expansion of its membership. We also support equitable and fair regional representation in a reformed Security Council that reflects current geopolitical realities. What started as a 51 Member States - organization since its founding in 1945, has grown into 193 countries today. The general feeling of the membership is that the Security Council needs to be better represented to reflect this growth.
5. On the veto, Malaysia continues to call for its abolishment. We see the veto as an impediment to a more effective, democratic and accountable Council, and to fulfilling its core mandate. It is regrettable to see a repeated abuse of veto power in cases of international crimes of the most serious nature such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It certainly is illogical to allow one country to possess a sole decision to destroy a deliberated, thoroughly negotiated resolution with just one vote.
6. Alternatively, a new formulation could be put in practice, in line with the principle of one country one vote. We reiterate our proposal that the veto 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 back the decision with a simple majority.
Mr. President,
7. Malaysia’s approach to the reform process has always been pragmatic and objective. We have been consistent in advocating for an inclusive and transparent reform process, one which is guided by consultation and dialogue among Member States. We remain convinced that the reformed Council should enjoy the widest possible acceptance among Member States.
8. Reforming the Council today will leave a consequential impact on the future generation, which is why it is imperative that we make it happen. The general public demand an effective and efficient Security Council to better respond to the needs of today’s world. In this regard, we urge all Member States to demonstrate openness, flexibility, and greater political will to work towards a mutually acceptable conclusion in the interest of international peace, security, and prosperity. Let me conclude by assuring you of Malaysia’s commitment to moving this process forward.
Thank you.