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INTERVENTION : UNSC ARRIA-FORMULA MEETING ON MYANMAR, 19 MAY 2023
INTERVENTION BY
H.E. MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL ARRIA-FORMULA MEETING ON MYANMAR
19 MAY 2023
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Madam Chair,
1. At the outset, Malaysia would like to thank the United Kingdom for convening this Arria-formula meeting on Myanmar, and for inviting us to participate as an ASEAN Member State.
2. I also wish to express Malaysia’s heartfelt condolences to the people of Myanmar over the devastation wrought by Cyclone Mocha. It is imperative that the priorities and urgent needs of the affected communities, particularly the most vulnerable, are met. In this regard, ASEAN Member States have stated their readiness to support disaster relief efforts and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Madam Chair,
3. Malaysia remains deeply concerned over the situation in Myanmar, which has shown no sign of abating since the military coup in 2021. In common with fellow ASEAN Member States, Malaysia reiterates that the Five-Point Consensus remains our primary reference in seeking a peaceful resolution of the Myanmar crisis.
4. Malaysia fully supports the efforts of the Office of the ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar, led by the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, to engage all stakeholders in constructive dialogue. This is critical in advancing a peaceful and durable solution.
5. We also appreciate the work of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar, through her active consultations with all stakeholders, including local communities and civil society, as well as ASEAN Member States, other neighbouring countries and the broader UN membership.
6. Further, Malaysia welcomes the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2669 (2022) and calls for its full and effective implementation. Malaysia has consistently emphasised the need for the Security Council to complement ASEAN’s efforts in addressing the situation in Myanmar, which has adversely impacted regional security.
7. As we continue to witness tragic incidents in Myanmar involving the use of force against civilians - among them women and children - the immediate cessation of violence and de-escalation of tensions are of paramount importance. All parties must strive to create an environment conducive for the pursuit of inclusive political dialogue.
8. The immediate cessation of violence and de-escalation of tensions are also crucial to ensure humanitarian aid can be successfully delivered to those in need. Malaysia condemns the recent attack on a convoy of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and the ASEAN Monitoring Team in Myanmar on 7 May 2023. Protecting the safety of humanitarian aid personnel is paramount.
Madam Chair,
9. The present impasse has exacerbated the plight of the Rohingyas, who have most recently been impacted by Cyclone Mocha. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has noted early reports indicating extensive destruction in Sittwe, Rakhine State, and the urgent consequent need for humanitarian assistance particularly for the already vulnerable people in the camps.
10. International attention on the Rohingya crisis cannot be allowed to wane. Sustained humanitarian assistance and political support are essential in ensuring safety and security for all communities in Rakhine State, and in facilitating the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of displaced Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine State.
11. In closing, may I assure you that Malaysia will continue working closely with our ASEAN partners and other members of the international community as part of collective efforts to resolve the political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, including the situation of the Rohingya.