STATEMENT : UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE “UPHOLDING THE PURPOSES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE UN CHARTER AND STRENGTHENING THE UN-CENTRED INT

STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL, CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES A.I.

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE

“UPHOLDING THE PURPOSES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE UN CHARTER AND STRENGTHENING THE UN-CENTRED INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM”

Mr. President,

Malaysia welcomes today’s open debate on this critical issue convened under China’s presidency, and we thank the Secretary-General for his briefing.

2. The purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter remain as relevant today as they were at the founding of this Organisation. The Charter upholds sovereign equality, prohibits the use or threat of force, promotes respect for international law and places cooperation at the heart of our collective response to global challenges.

3. Yet, today, we are witnessing rising conflicts, deepening mistrust, disregard for international law and the selective application of rules. In these challenging time, Malaysia firmly rejects the notion that “might is right”. The international order must be anchored in the UN Charter, international law and the rules-based multilateral system. These foundations must apply to all, equally and consistently.

4. This UN-centred international system is not perfect, but it remains the most representative and legitimate system we have.

Mr, President,

5. To uphold the authority and integrity of the Charter, the rule of law must prevail, applied equally, without double standards. Security Council resolutions must be implemented by all Member States, without exception. Selective application weakens trust in the UN and the Council, and erodes confidence in the international system.

6. As we recently commemorated the 78^th anniversary of the Nakba, Malaysia is deeply saddened that grave violations of international law and international humanitarian law continue in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Israel has violated the UN Charter, international law, and multiple resolutions of both the General Assembly and the Security Council, while enjoying impunity. This impunity must end.

7. The Occupied Palestinian Territory is not the only crisis demanding our attention. The suffering in Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine and other conflict areas reminds us that the UN must be able to act decisively when civilians are harmed or under threat. The Council must ensure accountability. Those who persistently violate its resolutions must face consequences.

Mr. President,

8. Malaysia also supports the strengthening of the Security Council. As the organ entrusted with the primary responsibility for international peace and security, the Council must be more democratic, inclusive, representative and effective. Malaysia therefore reaffirms its support for the Council’s reform, including its expansion, to better reflect today’s 193 Member States.

9. However, expansion alone is not enough as the question of the veto must be addressed. Malaysia therefore reiterates its call for reform of the veto, with a view to its eventual abolition. Only then can a more representative Council discharge its mandate more effectively and credibly. Until that time, the use of the veto must be regulated to ensure it is not wielded to serve narrow political interests.

Mr. President,

10. As we look ahead, Malaysia stands ready to work constructively with all Member States to make the UN more effective, transparent, inclusive and responsive to current realities. We must recommit ourselves to the principles that bind us, particularly respect for the UN Charter, adherence to international law, compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians above all.

11. To conclude, the UN can be improved, if we have the political will and solidarity to do so, but it must never be undermined or bypassed while we pursue that goal. 

Thank you.