STATEMENT BY

 

MR AHMAD GHAZALI BIN MUHAMAD NADZRI

COUNSELLOR

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE 24^TH PLENARY MEETING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON

AGENDA ITEM 73: REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE

 

 

Madam President,

 

1.         At the outset, Malaysia wishes to thank the President of the International Court of Justice, Judge Iwasawa Yuji, for his report on the work of the Court. We align ourselves with the statement by Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and add the following remarks in our national capacity.

 

2.         Malaysia welcomes the Court’s continued dedication to the cause of justice, as reflected in the report.  Malaysia notes that the Court delivered three (3) judgements, one (1) advisory opinion, rendered 16 orders, held public hearings in 5 cases, and was seized of four (4) new contentious cases and one (1) request for an advisory opinion. This is a clear demonstration of Member States’ continued confidence in the Court.

 

Madam President,

 

3.         Malaysia remains dedicated to the purpose and principles of the United Nations in promoting and upholding the rule of law. We reaffirm our recognition of the Court's important role in the development of international law, as well as its contribution to the peaceful settlement of international disputes and to the maintenance of international peace and security. In this context, Malaysia’s participation in several proceedings before the Court demonstrates our strong commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and our confidence in the justice system upheld by the Court.

 

4.         Malaysia values the Court’s Advisory Opinions issued under Article 96 of the United Nations Charter. These opinions carry significant legal weight and moral authority. In this regard, Malaysia has also contributed to the work of the Court through the submission of written statements in advisory opinion proceedings on issues of global importance, such as on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons, the legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Legal Questions Arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the OPT, and more recently, questions on Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations (UN), Other International Organizations and Third States in, and in relation to the OPT.

 

Madam President,

 

5.         Malaysia welcomes the landmark Advisory Opinion of the Court of 22 October 2025, on Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the UN, other International Organisations, and Third States in, and in relation to, the OPT. This latest Court ruling, among others, reaffirmed the indispensable and pivotal role of the UN, in particular the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in providing essential humanitarian relief in the OPT, including in the Gaza Strip.

 

6.         The findings of the Court further reaffirm Malaysia’s legal arguments, which were submitted through a Written Statement on 28 February 2025 and during the Oral Submission to the Court on 28 April 2025. Therefore, Malaysia calls for the swift implementation of the Opinion, which will also facilitate immediate delivery of the much-needed humanitarian aid without any hindrance to the OPT, particularly to Gaza. Israel should be held accountable for its atrocities against Palestinians and persistent violations of international law.

 

7.         Malaysia also notes the list of pending proceedings of the Court during the period under review, including the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and the Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa vs. Israel).  Malaysia commends South Africa for filing an application instituting proceedings against Israel before the Court, as a timely and tangible step towards legal accountability for the atrocities in Gaza. 

 

Madam President,

 

8.         In conclusion, Malaysia underscores that the rule of law must prevail, without double standards. We acknowledge and appreciate the essential role of the Court as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, and the importance of upholding its independence and integrity. We reaffirm our recognition of the Court's important role in the development of international law, as well as its contribution to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and its ongoing role in promoting international peace and security.

 

Thank you.