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STATEMENT BY

HIS EXCELLENCY MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

DURING THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON

AGENDA ITEM 24: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 78 TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 28 SEPTEMBER 2023

 

Mr. Chair,

 

At the outset, my delegation wishes to congratulate you on your election as Chair of the Third Committee. Malaysia stands ready to support you and engage constructively throughout this session. We align ourselves with the statements delivered by Vietnam on behalf of ASEAN, and Cuba on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and wish to add the following remarks in our national capacity.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

2.     The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the social landscape of our world. Inequalities have widened, subjecting many individuals and families to poverty and hunger. The post-pandemic recovery phase has opened a window of opportunity for us to redesign socioeconomic structures and policies to be more inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

 

3.     In the case of Malaysia, the Honourable Prime Minister has introduced the Malaysia Madani concept, which consists of fundamental principles to guide the Government’s policies on development and administration. These are principles of sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion.

 

4.     The 12th Malaysia Plan for the term 2021-2025, crafted in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, amongst others, includes the empowerment of target groups such as women, youth, the elderly, indigenous peoples, as well as persons with disabilities (PWDs), with a view of achieving equitable prosperity, in line with the principle of leaving no one behind. The Government recently undertook the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan to assess progress made thus far and enact measures, strategies and initiatives to further accelerate efforts to reform national socioeconomic development.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

5.     To strengthen social development and adapt a people-centered approach, Malaysia has reviewed its National Social Policy, which serves as the overarching framework for the formulation of national social development policies. The revised National Social Policy is grounded in the principles of productive welfare, gender equality and non-discrimination, to ensure that it is inclusive, for all Malaysians.

 

6.     Malaysia is also undertaking efforts to further enhance social protection for youth, women, persons with disabilities and the elderly. They include strengthening social protection policies for inclusive development and growth, improving coordination of social protection programmes and introducing initiatives to strengthen the social security and retirement scheme.

 

7.     In preparation towards becoming an aged nation by 2030, Malaysia is formulating and implementing necessary measures to ensure older persons are not left behind. In addition to the existing National Policy for Older Persons, the Government has introduced the Ageing Nation Agenda last year. Efforts to formulate a comprehensive roadmap with emphasis on five (5) clusters, namely economy, education, finance, health, and well-being, is currently underway.

 

8.     Recognising the importance of the social work approach in social development, Malaysia is introducing legislation to elevate the social work profession. Additionally, we are also establishing social work practice and education standards, implementing the registration and certification of social workers, as well as promoting professional development and enhancing the image of the social work profession.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

9.     In conclusion, Malaysia remains committed towards ensuring the well-being of its people. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that no part of our society is left out. We are keen to collaborate with other Member States, multilateral institutions and the private sector towards achieving this goal.

 

I thank you