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STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD. KARIM

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE / CHARGE D’ AFFAIRES A.I., PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS 

AT THE OPEN DEBATE OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL “MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY: PRACTISING MULTILATERALISM, REFORMING AND IMPROVING GLOBAL GOVERNANCE”,

NEW YORK, 18 FEBRUARY 2025 (RESUMED ON 20 FEBRUARY 2025)

 

Thank you, President.  

Malaysia wishes you success during China’s Presidency of the Security Council.  We thank the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing on 18^th February.    

2.         The UN is the seat of multilateralism. It is where member states cooperate based on common interests and mutual respect for the sovereignty of all, big and small. The UN is where states confer to form consensus on the rules that should govern our relations.  It is a place where we foster shared responsibility, to maintain an order that is based on rules rather than the ‘might is right’ principle, toward ensuring a peaceful, stable and prosperous world.

3.         Sadly, at times, reality paints a different picture. The rules we make have failed to protect the innocent from heinous crimes.  For example, the UN has been unable to stop the maiming and killing of women and children in Gaza. Even when the overwhelming majority of member states demanded an end to these atrocities, it was overruled in this very chamber. The maiming and killing continue with impunity.  

4.         Gaza is but one tragedy.  The UN seems equally powerless to stop the sufferings in Myanmar, Sudan and Ukraine.  We must confront reality: This inability to act decisively exposes deep flaws within the system,  that hinder effective intervention and sustainable solution.

President,

5.         Reform of the Security Council is imperative. Malaysia is unequivocal in its conviction that the veto power must be abolished in the long run.  Until this is achieved, the veto must be completely prohibited in cases of mass atrocity crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. 

6.         In addition, we believe that to be effective, the veto should be exercised by at least two of the permanent members, and supported by three non-permanent members of the Security Council.  The decision should then be endorsed by the General Assembly through a simple majority vote.  

President,

7.         We must uphold multilateralism under the UN. It is the only system that provides protection for all, both big and small.  It is truly the most representative world organisation and thus, is unsurpassed in its legitimacy.  Undoubtedly, this system is not without its flaws. It can and must be improved, but it should never be bypassed.

I thank you.