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STATEMENT BY

 

H.E. SYED MOHD HASRIN AIDID

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

ON ITEM 123:

QUESTION OF EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION ON AND INCREASE IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL

 

AT THE PLENARY MEETING OF

THE 76TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

 

 

Mr. President,

 

At the outset, I wish to thank the previous Co-Chairs for their work in the last session. I also wish to congratulate the Permanent Representatives of Qatar and Denmark for their appointment as the Co-Chairs for the 76^th session.  

 

2.     Allow me to begin by reminding all of us of the following commitments by our leaders:

 

• First on the 2005 World Summit Outcome in which we expressed support for an early reform of the Security Council; and

 

• Second on the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the United Nations last year in which we committed to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council.

 

3.     Regrettably, we are nowhere near agreeing on a substantial reform of the Security Council.  It is further disconcerting that we are repeating similar positions for the past many years without meaningful progress.  

 

4.     In this connection, Malaysia continues to call for a text-based negotiation as we believe it constitutes the ideal step forward to instil new life in this reform process. At the same time, we are open to exploring possible format or alternative that would facilitate the advancement of the reform process.

 

Mr. President,

 

5.     The position of Malaysia on the issue has been consistent. We need a Security Council that is more legitimate, representative, democratic, accountable and transparent. We support comprehensive reform, both in terms of its working methods and expansion of its membership. 

 

6.     We also support equitable and fair regional representation in a reformed Security Council that reflects current geopolitical realities.

 

7.     On the veto, while my delegation continues to advocate for abolishing the veto system, the current veto system should not be used in cases of international crimes of the most serious nature, such as in instances of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

 

8.     At the same time, we reiterate our proposal that the veto should not be exercised by just one permanent member but by at least two permanent members and supported by three non-permanent members of the Security Council. The General Assembly should then back the decision with a simple majority. 

 

Mr. President,

 

9.     Malaysia’s approach to the reform process has always been pragmatic and objective, and we have been consistent in advocating for an inclusive and transparent reform process, one which is guided by consultation and dialogue among Member States. We remain convinced that the reformed Council should enjoy the widest possible acceptance among Member States. 

 

10.     We urge all Member States to demonstrate openness, flexibility, and 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 moving this process forward.

 

Thank you.