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STATEMENT: QUESTION OF EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION ON AND INCREASE IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL, 16 FEBRUARY 2021
STATEMENT BY
MR. MOHD HAFIZ BIN OTHMAN
MINISTER COUNSELLOR
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON THE Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council
cluster: i) categories of membership and ii) the question of veto
16 FEBRUARY 2021
Madame Co-Chairs,
As we begin our discussion on the Cluster 1 and 2 today, allow me first to reiterate my delegation's position and call for text-based negotiations in moving the IGN process forward.
Madame Co-Chairs,
2. On the cluster of categories of membership, Malaysia reiterates its position that the reform of the Security Council should be comprehensive, both in terms of its working methods and expansion of its membership, in order to make it more legitimate, representative, democratic, accountable and transparent.
3. We support the expansion of both categories, namely the permanent and non-permanent members, to strengthen the role and representation of the Council, as well as, to ensure that the Security Council membership corresponds with the current geo-political realities and dynamics. An increase of non-permanent seats would allow more Member States to be elected to the Council and increase the frequency for them to serve in the Council. It would also enhance the credibility and ability of the Security Council to represent the interest of the larger UN membership in the maintenance of world peace and security.
Madame Co-Chairs,
4. On the question of veto, Malaysia wishes to reiterate that we are against the use of the veto in its present form. We hold the position that the exercise of the veto by permanent members of the Security Council should be regulated to prohibit it from being used unjustly and against the wishes of the majority. It should not be used in situations involving mass atrocity crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes.
5. Malaysia is also of the view that the veto power should not be exercised by just one permanent member but by at least two members and supported by three non-permanent members of the Security Council. The General Assembly should then back the decision with a simple majority.
Madame Co-chairs,
6. I wish to conclude by assuring you of my delegation's commitment to moving this process forward. We urge other Member States to be pragmatic and demonstrate openness, flexibility, sincerity, and political will to reach a mutually acceptable conclusion.
I thank you.