STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS

             

 

Thank you, Madam President.

 

2. Malaysia values the opportunity to voice our views on the implementation of the Resolution 76/262 and on the veto, in general. The Veto Initiative remains crucial in strengthening efforts within the framework of the General Assembly to enhance the transparency and accountability of the veto power. My delegation commends the aspirations of this Resolution and we are convinced that the authority and credibility of the General Assembly in addressing global issues in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

 

Madam President,

 

3. Malaysia has consistently opposed the use of the veto, especially when permanent members of the Security Council used it to block actions that serve the maintenance of international peace and security.  We oppose the use of the veto to block resolutions aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire in a conflict, ensuring unfettered humanitarian access, and preventing the further destabilisation of entire regions. We will continue to oppose the use of the veto to provide certain member state, allied to a permanent member of the Council, with impunity to commit atrocities, ethnic cleansing and war crimes.  

 

4. The misuse of the veto in these circumstances not only undermines the credibility of the Council but also perpetuates suffering and erodes the very principles of the UN Charter. It further weakens respect for international law and places additional strain on the foundations of the multilateral system, which is already at a breaking point.

 

Madam President,

 

5.In light of these concerns, and given the stakes involved for global peace, security, and the credibility of the multilateral system, Malaysia would like to underline the following points:

6.The veto power is outdated, undemocratic, and is against the principle of the sovereign equality of all Member States. Time and again, the exercise of the veto, or even the mere threat to wield it, has prevented the Security Council from discharging its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, as enshrined in the UN Charter. Malaysia maintains that, ultimately, the veto must be abolished.

 

7.Until the veto is abolished, it must be strictly regulated. The veto should be prohibited in matters involving genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes. The exercise of the veto by a permanent member of the Security Council should be subject to strict oversight to prevent its use in serving the narrow political interests of a permanent member, or against the wishes of the majority of member states.

 

8. In line with these principles, Malaysia has also advocated that the veto should not be exercised by just one, but by at least two permanent members and supported by three non-permanent members of the Security Council. The veto should then require an endorsement by the General Assembly through a simple majority vote. 

 

Madam President,

 

9.The veto and its undemocratic nature runs against the very principles that the UN was founded upon.  It is this profound reason that guides Malaysia to continue to work constructively with other Member States through the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Security Council reform, towards improving the UN to make it more efficient, open, transparent, and inclusive.

 

I thank you.