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STATEMENT BY

 

HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATIONS ON THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM

 

DISCUSSION ON THE REVISED CO- CHAIRS ELEMENTS PAPER ON CONVERGENCES AND DIVERGENCES ON THE QUESTION OF EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION ON AND INCREASE IN ITS MEMBERSHIP OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND RELATED MATTERS

 

15 APRIL 2024

 

 

 

Distinguished Co-Chairs,

 

My delegation’s appreciation goes to you for your continued dedication in leading the IGN process. We also thank you for your meticulous work in updating the Co-Chairs Elements Paper.

 

Distinguished Co-chairs,

 

The Elements Paper has captured the divergences and convergences of views of Member States. Malaysia continues to believe that the Elements Paper presents a good basis to move the discussion forward; towards a text-based negotiations. While we had envisioned the paper to be more result-oriented, we acknowledge the challenging endeavour and appreciate the incremental yet significant progress made.

 

 

 

 

Distinguished Co-chairs,

 

Malaysia notes the updates in the Elements Paper and in this regard would like to highlight a few points:

 

First, Malaysia concurs that certain incremental changes to the work and functioning of the Security Council can be made without amendments to the Charter. One such area is the working methods of the Security Council, where procedural improvements can lead to more streamlined decision-making process and greater accountability. To this end, Malaysia advocates for a pragmatic approach that combines short-term adjustments with long-term strategic planning to ensure the Security Council remains relevant and effective. For example, Malaysia supports the establishment of formal consultative mechanisms, which would enable close consultation with regional organizations and states concerned. Malaysia strongly believes that regional and domestic perspectives should be taken into account in Council’s deliberations to ensure that outcomes, including any proposed peace process and post-conflict initiatives, are sustainable.

 

Second, Malaysia commends the Co-chairs’ constant effort in finding creative and innovative ways forward in the process of the Security Council reform. Malaysia supports the structured dialogues held to discuss various models proposed by States and Groups of States, which had enabled meaningful and constructive dialogue. This definitely contributes towards enhancing the legitimacy and effectiveness of our decision-making process. In addition, the introduction of the webcast for the first segment of each IGN meetings significantly improves transparency and inclusivity of the process, and facilitates the work of smaller delegations.

 

Finally, while we recognize the growing convergence on the need to reform the veto privilege, Malaysia regrets that there has not been any real progress on the matter. Co-chairs, we have sadly witnessed time and time again, how the veto power has paralysed the UN Security Council, exemplified most recently in its failure to act decisively to put in place a ceasefire and end the killing of civilians in Gaza. Malaysia has been among the countries that have consistently called for the ultimate abolishment of the veto power.  Malaysia is of the view that until the time when the veto can be completely abolished, the exercise of the veto should be regulated to prevent any permanent member from having the sole discretion to unjustly overrule the wish of the majority. It is incumbent upon Member States to ensure that the veto is exercised judiciously and in accordance with the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Malaysia supports the veto initiative proposed by Liechtenstein, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability of the Security Council.

 

Distinguished Co-chairs,

 

In conclusion, I wish to reiterate once again Malaysia’s hope for a meaningful outcome of the reform process of the Security Council. We must do our utmost to achieve the final objective of the Security Council reform, that is a more trusted and strengthened UN multilateral system. Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to engage constructively in the dialogue towards realising a Security Council that is more efficient, effective, inclusive, and transparent.

 

I thank you.