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 STATEMENT BY

COLONEL SHAMSURI NOORDIN

MILITARY ADVISER

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE SPECIAL POLITICAL AND DECOLONIZATION COMMITTEE (FOURTH COMMITTEE) OF THE 79^th SESSION OF THE

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

AGENDA ITEM 51:

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE WHOLE QUESTION

OF PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS IN

ALL THEIR ASPECTS

 

 

 

Madam Chair,                             

 

Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Morocco and Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), respectively.

 

2.     At the outset, Malaysia reiterates its unwavering commitment to the vital importance of peacekeeping operations in maintaining international peace and security. We hold this noble effort in high regard and would like to pay tribute to the sacrifices of peacekeepers and the devoted men and women serving with total dedication and great distinction in our distinct endeavour to keep peace.

 

3.     Malaysia takes immense pride in its long and illustrious history of contributing to the UN’s peacekeeping operations. Since 1960, Malaysia has been a steadfast participant in over 38 peacekeeping operations, deploying approximately 40,000 peacekeepers from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP). This extensive experience is a testament to our commitment and capability in maintaining international peace and security. Currently, 876 Malaysian peacekeepers serve in 5 Peacekeeping Operations and one Special Political Mission. Our most significant concentration of peacekeepers is serving in South Lebanon under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Malaysia is currently in transition for the rotation of 824 of our soldiers in UNIFIL. On the same note, we are delighted to continue our co-deployment with Brunei Darussalam, whereby 30 personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces are embedded with their Malaysian counterparts.

 

Madam Chair,

 

4.     The safety and security of UN peacekeeping troops deployed in conflict zones is of utmost importance. Today, Malaysia Battalion (MALBATT) convoy bringing newly arrived peacekeepers to south Lebanon was caught in an explosion apparently caused by a drone strike while passing Saida. Six peacekeepers have been injured. We request UNIFIL to investigate the incident. All stakeholders must ensure the safety and security of the peacekeepers. The continuing indiscriminate attacks, targeting UN personnel and innocent civilian populations, are a grave violation of international humanitarian law and could be considered as war crimes. These deplorable actions against UNIFIL are an attack against the UN, the Security Council and the sanctity of the UN Charter. As such, Malaysia strongly condemns the recent attacks on peacekeepers and calls for an immediate stop to these attacks.

 

5.     We must ensure the continued safety and security of UN peacekeepers to allow them to carry out their mandate effectively. This is non-negotiable. All stakeholders, including the Security Council, share responsibility for the morale, safety, and security of peacekeepers, and their well-being must remain an utmost priority. 

 

Madam Chair,

 

6.     Malaysia strongly believes in the critical role of training in ensuring effective peacekeeping. The Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre (MPC) continues to be recognised as a premier training centre in the region. The Centre, which has trained 1,140 international participants to date, offers courses such as Gender Advisor (GENAD), Comprehensive Protection of Civilians, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), Women, Peace and Security, Gender Mainstreaming, and Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative. We also believe that peacekeeping operations must be adequately supported to respond to and prevent incidences of SEA. In this context, Malaysian peacekeepers are continually trained in their pre-deployment training.

 

7.     Malaysia's unwavering commitment to ensuring women's full, effective, and meaningful participation in peacekeeping and peace processes is a source of pride for us. In this regard, Malaysia recently made a significant stride by deploying its largest contingent of women peacekeepers serving under the UN banner in Lebanon, consisting of 85 women personnel and complying with the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (UGPS). This milestone showcases our dedication and sets a benchmark for gender equality in peacekeeping missions. With their capability to undertake diverse roles and tasks, women peacekeepers have proven to increase the overall effectiveness of peacekeeping missions.

 

Madam Chair,

 

8.     In conclusion, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peacekeeping efforts under the United Nations's ambit. We stand ready to continue working with others to strengthen our commitment to international peace and security, and we will not waver in our dedication to this noble cause.

 

Thank you.