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STATEMENT BY

REPRESENTATIVE OF PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE OPEN DEBATE OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

ON THE PROMOTION AND STRENGTHENING OF THE RULE OF LAW IN THE MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY: THE RULE OF LAW AMONG NATIONS

12 JANUARY 2023

 

 

Mr. President,

 

At the outset, I would like to congratulate Japan on its presidency for the month of January and for hosting this important open debate. My appreciation also goes to the briefers for their invaluable insights.

 

2.      Malaysia aligns itself with the statement made by the Philippines on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

 

Mr. President,

 

3.      As we are all aware, respecting and upholding the rule of law is one of the pillars of the United Nations. Today’s session serves as a timely reminder of our common responsibility in upholding the rule of law in international relations.  At the UN, the main responsibility to uphold the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security lies with the Security Council. For small and vulnerable countries, the Security Council is the protector and guardian against abuses of international law in the conduct of friendly relations and cooperation among member states. 

 

4.      Malaysia is pleased to listen to the strong support expressed in this Chamber on the vital importance of upholding the rule of law at the national, regional and international level.  We are also gratified of the strong commitment to defend the UN Charter especially with regard to the sacrosanct principles of independence, territorial integrity, non-interference in the domestic affairs and pacific settlement of disputes.

 

Mr. President,

 

5.      In Malaysia’s view, consistency is a prerequisite to better promote and strengthen the rule of law. Unfortunately, more often than not, what we are seeing today, is the application of the rule of law only where and as convenient, mainly to suit the agenda of a select few countries. This unhealthy practice of double standards has to end.  Otherwise, it will only embolden the perpetrators to continue flouting and abusing international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter. If not rectified and address, the culture of impunity will continue to be a dark shadow that looms against the United Nations success.

 

6.      The continuance of the culture of impunity threatens the culture of peace.  It also threatens the goal of achieving the 2030 Agenda particularly SDG 16.  Goal 16 is about promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.  This will only be possible through peaceful settlement of disputes, justice and ensuring accountability for all.  In this respect, the Security Council has a special responsibility to guarantee justice and accountability including by ensuring respect and full implementation of its own resolutions.

 

7.      For more than seven (7) decades – Israel had openly and proudly committed actions that are in clear violation of the UN Charter, international law and numerous UN resolutions. It is shocking to see peace-loving nations and human rights champions that had condemned apartheid practices in the past, are silent when it comes to Israel. The Council has to rise above its own paralysis and address the many injustices and gross violations committed by the occupying power in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It is incumbent upon this Council to fulfil its charter-mandated responsibility and proves through its actions, and move beyond mere words.

 

8.      Equally important, is the need to strengthen existing mechanisms against internationally wrongful acts through the International Court of Justice and other international instruments. The Security Council plays a crucial role in defending the UN Charter, promoting respect for international law, and advancing a rules-based international order.

 

Mr. President,

 

9.      Malaysia remains committed to the maintenance of international peace and security through the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law. Our steadfast support on the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, is a further testament of this commitment. Malaysia stands ready to work constructively with members of the Security Council and the larger UN membership in upholding the rule of law including in the work process of the Summit of the Future in 2024.

 

I thank you.