STATEMENT BY
HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR KHAIRI OMAR
DELEGATE OF PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS
AT THE PLENARY MEETING ON
THE REVITALISATION OF THE WORK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
10 NOVEMBER 2023
Mr. President,
Thank you for convening this important debate. Malaysia speaks on behalf of the ten countries of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). We would like to thank Ambassador Egriselda Gonzalez Lopez of El Savador and Ambassador Mitch Fifield of Australia as former Co-Chairs of the Ad Hoc Working Group (AHWG) on the Revitalisation on the Work of the General Assembly.
2. We remain committed to our support and cooperation in the process, and welcome Ambassador Cornel Feruţă of Romania and Ambassador Menissa Rambally of Saint Lucia as co-chairs of the AHWG for the 78th Session of the General Assembly.
Mr. President,
3. ASEAN recognizes the primacy of the General Assembly as the chief deliberative, policy-making and most representative organ of the United Nations. As a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues, revitalizing the General Assembly is key to enhancing the overall effectiveness of the UN. We firmly believe that a revitalized General Assembly will further bring more credibility, representation and dynamism to global policy-making in the UN system. As we strive to address common challenges through reinvigorated multilateralism, a revitalized General Assembly is vital to deliberate urgent global issues such as climate change and global health crises.
4. On this note, ASEAN welcomes the adoption of Resolution 77/335 on the Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly. We assert the need to enhance the role, effectiveness, and efficiency of the Assembly with focus on the four clusters of the AHWG. ASEAN in this regard would like to emphasize the following:
i) First, on the role and authority of the General Assembly- ASEAN supports the call for gender parity and geographical balance in inter-governmental processes;
ii) Second, on working methods- ASEAN underscores the importance to streamline the agenda of the General Assembly to avoid duplications and overlaps. We need to prioritize and consolidate issues for a more focused debate. There is also a need for a mechanism to review the implementation of resolutions that this Assembly adopts. Implementation of resolutions is the true test of our commitments;
iii) Third, on the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General, ASEAN is of the view that we should ensure a transparent and inclusive selection process, in line with Resolution 77/335. We reiterate the call to encourage nomination of women candidates for the positions of the UN Secretary General and and other executive heads. Nominations for such positions should strive to achieve balance in gender and geographical representation;
iv) Finally, to strengthen the accountability, transparency and institutional memory of the Office of the President of the General Assembly, ASEAN commends the convening of the third transition workshop for the OPGA on 1st September 2023. The workshop aimed to support the smooth transition between presidencies, and provide a platform for sharing of information, best practices and experiences.
ASEAN welcomes the resolution’s request for the Secretary’s General to propose additional positions at the OPGA. Taking into account the vast activities and engagement of the President of the General Assembly, these additional posts are necessary to equip the Office with adequate human and financial resources through the regular budget.
Mr. President,
5. ASEAN has a further recommendation to make in connection with efforts to improve the working methods of the Main Committees of the General Assembly.
6. The principles of transparency and accountability are important in the work of the United Nations. However, as Member States and the Secretariat would be aware, the First Committee has a “tradition” or practice of not disclosing the name of the Member State or Member States that requested votes, on paragraphs or resolutions as a whole, in spite of requests by other Member States.
7. ASEAN notes that Rules 87 and 127 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly merely provide that a recorded vote may be requested by any representative. In this regard, Member States have no way of determining the veracity of such a call if they are unable to know which representative has made it.
8. Non-disclosure of such information is inconsistent with the UN’s principles of transparency and openness, which are crucial to building trust and confidence. We believe this issue merits further discussion, in the spirit of enhancing consistency in the application of the General Assembly’s Rules of Procedure, and the practices of its Main Committees.
9. In this regard, ASEAN underlines the importance of upholding the principles of transparency and accountability across all main committees. This should include a standardized practice on disclosing information on Member States who call for a vote on paragraphs and draft resolutions.
Mr. President,
10. ASEAN further commends the live webcasting of various meetings at the UN which contributes towards improving transparency and accountability. At the same time, we should be mindful of the need to uphold important principles such as respect for privacy and dignity which would be violated through displaying of inappropriate photographic or video footage during deliberations of the General Assembly, especially when they are being broadcasted to the public. We sincerely hope that appropriate steps will be considered and taken by the General Assembly to help prevent and deal effectively with such actions in the future in order to safeguard the dignity and decorum of this august body.
Mr. President,
11. The revitalization of the work of the General Assembly is in all our interest. It will further ensure that its work delivers on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. To this end, ASEAN remains committed to strengthening the revitalization process and to working with others during the next session of the Ad Hoc Working Group. With bold reforms and renewed commitments, we can restore the centrality of the General Assembly in global governance.
Thank you.