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STATEMENT BY

 

MR. MOHD HAFIZ OTHMAN

MINISTER COUNSELLOR

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE

 

9 NOVEMBER 2021, NEW YORK

 

 

 

Mr. President,

 

Malaysia welcomes the discussion today as we continue to witness new and re-emergence of conflicts worldwide. We hope our deliberation will enable relevant States and the Security Council to strengthen efforts towards the culture of prevention over the culture of reacting to conflict.

 

2.     I wish to frame my intervention today in two dimensions:

 

3.     First, on the role of national government.

 

4.     It is evident that exclusion, inequality, and conflict are inextricably connected. Hence, it is paramount for Member States to spare no effort in identifying and addressing factors or conditions that build inequality, exclusion, and division in their societies. This is particularly more challenging in multicultural and multi-ethnic countries when certain constituents of the society feel that they are being marginalised or excluded.

 

5.     Malaysia also believes that addressing socio-political and socio-economic fragility must be a strategic priority for the national government to sustain peace and stability, which would, in turn, allow conditions for sustainable development. If not addressed comprehensively, it could lead to political fragmentation as well as social strife and eventually armed conflict. 

 

6.     In order to cement peacebuilding and nation-building efforts, inclusiveness must also go hand-in-hand with other equally essential values and principles, including tolerance and moderation. Efforts must be made to advocate for unity in diversity and in the strengthening of national integration and stability.

 

7.     Malaysia supports the call to include a broad range of actors in national peace and political transition processes. In particular, we stress the importance of gender inclusivity. The involvement of women in conflict prevention and resolution, including in political and social-economic participation, would promote stability and reduce the risk of re-emergence of conflict.

 

8.     In addition, we also underscore the critical role to be played by youth in these processes, particularly on social cohesion.

 

Mr. President,

 

9.     My second point is on the role of the international community.

 

10.     While we stress that national ownership is fundamental in ending the conflict, ensuring sustainable peace would require the strong support of the international community. In this context, the Security Council is well placed to play its pivotal role in supporting such efforts, including through special political missions and peacekeeping missions.

 

11.     We also believe that the Security Council would continue to benefit from its partnership with other UN organs, including Peacebuilding Commission and regional organisations.

 

12.     However, we wish to underscore the critical importance for international partners to work closely with local stakeholders. It is essential for international actors to fully understand the local contexts and specific societal dynamics in formulating strategies for conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. Without such understanding and proper contexts, our actions and approaches may inadvertently contribute to promoting or prolonging inequality and exclusion in affected communities.

 

13.     At the same time, Malaysia believes that it is essential for the international community, including the Security Council, to uphold the rule of law and accountability through the full implementation of the Security Council resolutions.

 

Mr. President,

 

14.     In conclusion, Malaysia stresses the importance of promoting the principles of equality and inclusivity or sustainable peace. The Security Council must lead efforts towards promoting these principles and the holistic vision of international security based on the interdependence of the three pillars of the UN - peace and security, development, and human rights.

 

Thank you.