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STATEMENT BY

H.E. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION

 

25 APRIL 2023, NEW YORK

 

 

 

Mr President,

 

My delegation expresses our appreciation to you for convening this important meeting. We welcome the presence of His Excellency Riyad Al- Maliki, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate of the State of Palestine. We also extend our thanks to Mr Torr Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process for his briefing. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by the distinguished representative of Mauritania on behalf of the OIC, and one to be delivered by Azerbaijan on behalf of NAM.

 

Indeed, what we have heard today is disturbing. Barely four months into the year, already almost a hundred Palestinians including innocent children, are reported to have died, and hundreds more wounded. The situation is showing no signs of abating. Malaysia strongly condemns the incursion of Israeli forces into the Al-Aqsa Mosque and their vicious attacks against worshippers, especially when Muslims were observing the Holy month of Ramadan. Malaysia remains gravely concerned with the continued aggression and systematic oppression of the Palestinians through discriminatory policies, denial of basic human rights, imposition of harsh living conditions as well as confiscation of their lands and properties.

 

Mr. President,

 

In line with Resolution 2334, our delegation urges both parties to exercise maximum refrain from acts of provocation, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric to avoid further escalation of tensions. Resolution 2334 is also clear on the fact that all Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, are illegal under international law, and must “immediately and completely cease." Yet Israel remains defiant, which further deviate efforts towards achieving a peaceful and lasting two-state solution.

 

Mr. President,

 

It is extremely frustrating that the apartheid practices of Israel, including the annexation and illegal occupation are routinely ignored. The impunity that Israel continues to enjoy is partly the failure of the Security Council to hold Israel accountable for the violation and brutality it perpetrates. Malaysia in this regard, calls on the international community not to condone such practice of double standards, which severely undermines the effectiveness and legitimacy of international law.

 

It is incumbent upon the United Nations and the global community to provide protection to the Palestinian people from the heinous crimes that Israel continues to commit. Pursuant to the General Assembly Resolution 77/247 adopted in December last year, Malaysia urges all responsible Member States to support the request for an advisory opinion on the Question of Palestine from the International Court of Justice. In addition, Malaysia calls upon Member States to contribute on a consistent and predictable basis to UNRWA, towards supporting the financial needs of the Palestinian refugees.

 

Mr. President,

 

The people of Palestine can count on Malaysia’s unwavering support in their efforts to create an independent and sovereign state of Palestine, based on pre- 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. In this regard, we fully support the application of Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations and call upon the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly to favourably consider this legitimate application.

 

I thank you.