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STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR DR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK

AT THE

BRIEFING BY THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL ON HIS PRIORITIES FOR 2025

GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL, 15 JANUARY 2025

 

 

 

President,

 

Malaysia would like to thank the Secretary-General for presenting his priorities for 2025. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and would like to add the following statement in our national capacity.

 

Malaysia commends the Secretary-General’s pivotal role in leading the United Nations by coordinating its efforts to address global challenges, ranging from peace and security issues to those of Sustainable Development Goals and human rights.  The Secretary General’s leadership is instrumental in fostering global cooperation and propelling multilateral collaborations, enabling the international community to respond to crises and work towards peace, justice and prosperity for all. 

 

 

 

 

 

President,

 

The Secretary-General’s presentation outlines the United Nations priorities in the face of global challenges.  As he highlighted, the world is facing unprecedented challenges, including escalating conflicts, climate emergencies, and growing inequalities. Generally, the United Nations has responded well, despite a severe funding shortfall.

 

However, we observe with great concern how cherished multilateral principles, including those enshrined in the UN Charter and international human rights laws, are being disregarded. In Gaza, civilians, including women and children, humanitarian workers and aid convoys, as well as civilian infrastructure are being deliberately targeted.  These actions undermine and challenge multilateralism and the United Nations, and are detrimental to the rules based international order.

 

 

President,

 

Multilateralism, especially the UN-led processes, has achieved much by bringing countries together to discuss and solve many global challenges.  Yet, the system is repeatedly being undermined by certain member states.  As a result, certain questions almost as old as the United Nations itself tragically remain unresolved.  One of the most glaring examples is the question of Palestine which the Secretary General has also raised.  The continued occupation of Palestine, sadly, continues to be symbolic of a long-standing and stark failure of the United Nations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President,

 

Malaysia continues to hold the view that the United Nations and its agencies, under the leadership of the Secretary-General, have a crucial role in the maintenance of global peace and security, as well as safeguarding the wellbeing of people worldwide. Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering support for the United Nations and the Secretary-General, in line with the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. 

 

As the Chair of ASEAN this year, Malaysia aims to work closely with the international community, the Secretary-General and the United Nations to address global challenges, promote peace and stability, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that no one is left behind in our collective pursuit of a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.

 

I thank you.