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STATEMENT BY

HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR KHAIRI OMAR

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE

ON “PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE: THE CONTRIBUTION OF REGIONAL,

SUB-REGIONAL AND BILATERAL ARRANGEMENTS TO THE PREVENTION AND

PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES”

 

20 OCTOBER 2023, NEW YORK

 Mr. President,

 

Malaysia thanks Brazil, President of the Council for organizing today’s open debate, and the briefers for their valuable insights. Our delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of ASEAN. Today’s topic on “The contribution of regional, sub-regional and bilateral arrangements to the prevention and peaceful resolution of disputes” is of utmost importance and relevance to what the world is facing today.

 

Mr. President,

 

Prolonged conflicts around the world has long cast a shadow over global peace, with disastrous spill-over effects that continue to threat international peace and security. These conflicts unfortunately devastate lives, weakens institutions, disrupt economies and fuel further instability. The detrimental impacts of conflicts often persist for many years. Against this background, conflict prevention and peaceful resolution are imperative.

 

Malaysia is committed to the pacific settlement of disputes through peaceful means, firmly advocated on Chapter Six of the UN Charter. Sustaining peace is a collective effort that requires the active involvement of all relevant actors. Towards this aspiration, the role of regional and sub-regional organizations is vital. In fact, many regional and subregional organizations have long histories of engagement in conflict prevention and mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, which accord them useful insights and mechanisms to facilitate constructive dialogue and concrete cooperation.

 

Mr. President,

 

As a member of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysia regards the role of ASEAN in promoting peace, security and stability in the region, as crucial. Established since 1967, ASEAN solidarity is built on mutual understanding of trust and confidence among its members. We share the same goal to “live in peace with one another and with the world at large in a just, democratic and harmonious environment”, as clearly envisaged on the ASEAN Political-Security Community blueprint. To this end, the spirit of negotiation and mediation, based on our own ASEAN values, remains the bedrock of ASEAN's dispute resolution system, firmly guided by the ASEAN Charter.

 

Mr. President,

 

Malaysia is convinced that a strengthened cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations is indispensable for the maintenance of international peace and security. The active involvement of regional and subregional organizations as reliable partners of the United Nations is crucial in delivering the Organization’s mandate. Malaysia in particular, welcomes the continued cooperation between the United Nations and other organizations, particularly the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), of which Malaysia is a member.

 

Myanmar remains one of the most challenging issues confronting our region. In this regard, Malaysia welcomes the landmark Resolution 2669 (2022) on the Situation in Myanmar, adopted by the Security Council on 21 December 2022. Malaysia in this regard will continue to work closely and constructively with fellow ASEAN Member States and the Council, in efforts towards achieving a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Myanmar political crisis. In this connection, we stress the need for a full and effective implementation of the Five- Point Consensus (5PC).

 

We also recognize the tireless effort by the OIC in its solidarity to address the dire situation in the Middle East including the Palestinian Question. We endorse the Final Communique of the open-ended emergency extraordinary meeting of the OIC Executive Committee on 18 October 2023, in finding ways for the Palestinian people to attain their inalienable rights to self-determination, in an independent and sovereign state of Palestine.

 

Mr. President,

 

The call by Secretary General through a New Agenda for Peace for robust regional frameworks and organizations, ought to be supported and advanced. Malaysia will continue to contribute and participate actively in regional efforts to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in the maintenance of peace and security.

 

Thank you for your attention.