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STATEMENT BY MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD. KARIM,

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE,

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATION

AT THE

PLENARY MEETING OF THE IGN ON SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM

CR2, 21 & 22 JANUARY 2026

 

LATIN AMERICA AND ASIA-PACFIC REPRESENTATION ON THE COUNCIL AS WELL AS CROSS-REGIONAL REPRESENTATION

 

 

Co-Chairs,

Thank you for convening this meeting and for inviting Malaysia to share our views on the matter before us today. 

2.         Regional and cross-regional membership of the Council enhances the organ’s democratic character and strengthens its representativeness, inclusivity, and legitimacy.  This principle has been articulated in the Pact for the Future and reflected in Malaysia’s consistent position on this issue over the years.

3.         Malaysia supports the expansion of a reformed Council to include representatives of regional or cross-regional groupings. Strengthened representation of these groupings ensures that the perspectives of its members are duly reflected, as these groupings are often best placed to understand their own dynamics and priorities, contributing valuable, context-specific insights toward peace and stability.

4.         To contribute to our discussions, Malaysia submits the following views for consideration:

4.1       First, regional and cross-regional representation in a reformed Council should reflect a more equitable geographical distribution. In this context, due consideration should be given to developing countries and, within regions with varying levels of development, to least developed countries that have yet to serve as members of the Council.

4.2       Second, with regard to the category of membership, discussions have generally centred on whether regional representation should take the form of permanent or non-permanent seats. Against this backdrop, there is merit in considering a third category of membership, namely semi-permanent members elected for longer terms than the two years for non-permanent members, but without permanent seats on the Council.

4.3       Third, efforts to enhance regional and cross-regional representation would be undermined if the veto power remains unreformed. Without addressing this fundamental imbalance in the Council’s decision-making structure, even a more inclusive membership would remain vulnerable to the exercise, or threat, of the veto when regional perspectives diverge from the political interests of veto-wielding members. Malaysia therefore reiterates our call for reform of the veto regime, with a view to its eventual abolition, so as to enable an expanded and more representative Council to fulfil its purposes effectively.

Co-Chairs,

5.         Comprehensive reform of the Council must be accelerated, and Malaysia stands ready to play a constructive role in advancing this process.

I thank you.