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STATEMENT BY

H.E. MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

ON ITEM 122: QUESTION OF EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION ON AND

INCREASE IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND

OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL

 

PLENARY MEETING OF THE 79^TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

11 NOVEMBER 2024, NEW YORK

 

Thank you, Mr. President.

 

Please allow me to thank the Co-Chairs – Ambassador Tareq Albanai of Kuwait and Ambassador Alexander Marschik of Austria – for their commitment and leadership in steering the intergovernmental negotiations on UN Security Council reform (IGN) during the 78^th session of the General Assembly. Malaysia congratulates them on their reappointment, and looks forward to continue our engagement throughout the 79^th session.  

 

Mr. President,

 

2. Malaysia welcomes the “Revised Co-Chairs' Elements Paper on Convergences and Divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters”.

 

3. The Elements Paper has captured the areas of agreement (convergences) and disagreement (divergences) among member states regarding critical issues on the subject of Security Council reform.  Most importantly, the Elements Paper is the essence of our shared commitment to reform the Council – to make it more representative, efficient, and transparent – and, in doing so, to strengthen its effectiveness and legitimacy.

 

4.         At the same time, the Elements Paper also highlights the continuing debates over expanding membership, particularly the issues of permanent and non-permanent seats, regional representation, and the use of the veto.  While these discussions can reveal differences in perspective, giving space for all voices enriches our deliberations and leads to more inclusive outcomes.  Despite these convergences and divergences, Malaysia firmly believes that Security Council reform is not only essential but, in many respects, unavoidable.

 

Mr. President,

 

5.      The Security Council shoulders the important duty of maintaining international peace and security. Its decisions, successes and failures have profound and far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the Council Chamber, shaping global stability and impacting nations and communities worldwide. It is in our interest to have a Security Council that is fit for purpose.

 

6.         The cost of having a divided and ineffective Security Council is catastrophic and far too high for the international community to bear.  A weak and ineffective Security Council cannot guarantee global stability and leaves millions vulnerable to the ravages of conflict.  The ongoing devastation and horror in Gaza, the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar, and the protracted war in Ukraine – among numerous other conflicts – could have been resolved by a united and effective Security Council.  Yet these tragedies continue to unfold while the Council remains paralyzed.

 

Mr. President,

 

7.         This is precisely why Malaysia, alongside other Member States, consistently calls for the reform of the Security Council. We insist that its members must effectively fulfill their role as custodians of international peace and security. The international community requires a Security Council that can decisively respond to current and future challenges. 

8.         Malaysia supports a comprehensive reform of the Security Council, both in terms of its working methods and the expansion of its membership. My delegation maintains our call for the veto to be regulated and, in the long term, abolished, because it is ineffective and undemocratic. The veto in its current form is an obstacle to greater accountability and transparency in how the Security Council conducts its business. It is no longer justifiable for one Permanent Member of the Security Council to overrule the wishes of the overwhelming majority of Member States.

 

9.         We support equitable and fair regional representation in a reformed Security Council. The geopolitical landscape has fundamentally transformed, requiring a Council that mirrors today's diverse international community.  To preserve its legitimacy and relevance, as well as enhance its effectiveness, the Security Council must be reformed into a more representative body.

 

 

Mr. President,

 

10.       Malaysia's approach to the reform of the Security Council has always been pragmatic and objective. We have been consistent in advocating for an inclusive and transparent reform process, one that is guided by consultation and dialogue among Member States. We remain convinced that a reformed Security Council will enjoy the widest possible acceptance among Member States.

 

11.       Reforming the Council today will have a consequential impact on future generations. A more effective, democratic and representative Security Council is essential to confront both contemporary challenges and emerging threats. In this regard, we urge all Member States to demonstrate openness, flexibility, and greater political will to work towards a mutually acceptable conclusion in the interest of international peace, security, and prosperity. Let me conclude by assuring you of Malaysia's commitment to continue its constructive participation towards advancing this vital agenda.  

 

I thank you.