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STATEMENT BY

 

NORDIANA ZIN ZAWAWI

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE SECOND MEETING OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATIONS (IGN) ON SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM

CLUSTER: QUESTION OF THE VETO

 

16 FEBRUARY 2023

 

 

Respected Co-Chairs,

 

Malaysia reaffirms our commitment to the reform of the Security Council and its processes, and reiterate our call for a text-based negotiation as a way forward to this endeavor. 

 

2.         The work of the Security Council is seen as pivotal in ensuring the maintenance of international peace and security. Again and again, it is regrettable that we have witnessed instances throughout the years whereby the Security Council is handicapped by its inability to pass resolutions that apply sufficient pressure in clear-cut cases of aggression- all no thanks to the power of veto.

 

3.         In the interest of preserving the credibility of the Security Council as the guardian of international peace and security, we hold the responsibility to make sure that the key to peace is not being held by only selected few superior powers.

 

4.         Malaysia holds the position that the exercise of the veto by permanent members of the Security Council should be regulated to prohibit it from being used unjustly or abused by permanent members, against the wishes of the majority. It should not be used in situations involving mass atrocity crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes. Malaysia is also of the view that the veto power should not be exercised by just one permanent member but by at least two members and supported by three non-permanent members of the Security Council. The General Assembly should then back the decision with a simple majority. Nonetheless, in the long run, we believe that the veto has no role in the modern democratic multilateral architecture. Malaysia wishes to reiterate our call for its abolishment.

 

Mister Co-chairs,

 

5.    We urge other Member States to be pragmatic and demonstrate openness and flexibility to reach a mutually acceptable consensus in pursuit of a reformed Security Council. Allow me to assure you of my delegation's commitment to moving this process forward.

 

Thank you.