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STATEMENT BY

 

MR. MOHD HAFIZ OTHMAN

MINISTER COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE OF THE AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON THE REVITALISATION OF THE WORK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (AHWG)

ON WORKING METHODS

 

NEW YORK, 11 MAY 2022

 

Distinguished Co-Chairs,

 

Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Algeria on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Allow me to highlight the following points in my national capacity:

 

2.     First: It is incumbent upon us to preserve the intergovernmental nature of the General Assembly in its entirety. At the same time, my delegation believes that the working methods of this organ need to evolve with time to reflect the current situation and realities. In this connection, we continue to support engagement with relevant stakeholders and actors such as civil society, as and when appropriate so Member States can benefit from diverse perspectives that would assist them in relevant deliberations at the General Assembly.

 

3.     My delegation also believes that any modification to the working methods should only aim to enhance the role of the General Assembly as the chief deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN. As my delegation has been consistently underscored, it is essential for Member States to observe and embrace the spirit of multilateralism, inclusivity, and transparency in conducting our work at this universal organ.  In particular, we stress the importance of a transparent process by the initiator of a draft resolution, including providing the opportunity for Member States to engage and exchange views prior to taking action on such proposal.

 

4.     Second: We encourage the President of the General Assembly to hold more informal sessions with Member States on issues of critical importance to the international community. We are of the view that discussions on issues that are of vital importance to Member States may take place in more informal and interactive settings while being mindful that the negotiation and decision-making process should remain under the prerogative of the General Assembly.

 

5.    Third: Malaysia applauds the Chairs and bureau members of all six Main Committees for their determination and practical working methods during the main part of the 76th session. We continue to call on the bureau members of the Committees to consider innovative and practical ways of conducting the work, including making the debates more focused and interactive. We also support the ongoing efforts to address gaps, overlap, and duplication in the General Assembly's agenda. In this respect, we call for more regular and closer consultations among the Chairs of the Main Committees to address these conundrums.

 

6.     Fourth: My delegation considers that the General Committee can play a greater role in the revitalisation process, including in the implementation of the adopted provisions and outcomes of the revitalisation process. The General Committee may also consider ways and means to improve further its working methods to increase its efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency in all aspects of the General Assembly's work and in conformity with Rule 41 of the Rules of Procedures of the General Assembly.

 

Distinguished Co-Chairs,

 

7.     There are growing expectations that the UN must be urgently revitalised and reformed to better address urgent global challenges. Concurrently, the work and authority of the General Assembly are gaining more visibility day by day. Malaysia is pleased to be an active and engaged member of the General Assembly, and we remain committed to contributing to its transparency and effectiveness, including organising the annual transition workshop with Ecuador and Finland for the outgoing and incoming Offices of the PGA.

 

I thank you.