STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD. KARIM

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE  

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE:

“MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY:

LEADERSHIP FOR PEACE”

 

Thank you, Madam President.

 

Malaysia thanks Slovenia for convening this open debate.  We also thank the briefers for their invaluable insights. 

 

Madam President,

 

2.The Charter describes the Secretary-General as the chief administrative officer of the Organisation. In reality, the role extends beyond this formal description. The Secretary-General serves as the face and the voice of the UN. They act as a peacekeeper and advocate, as well as navigate complex geopolitical realities. The Secretary-General also shoulders the heavy responsibility of holding together the UN multilateral system.

 

3.With such a heavy responsibility and a prominent role, who becomes the next Secretary-General is something closely watched. With multilateralism under unprecedented strain, and the credibility and effectiveness of the UN under increasing scrutiny, how can the next Secretary-General rise to meet these challenges? This is the question before us today.

 

4.To contribute to this debate, Malaysia would like to offer the following reflections.

 

5.First, the process for selecting the Secretary-General has changed little since the UN was established. While there have been welcomed improvements under the General Assembly’s revitalization process, further reforms are needed. Continued improvement of the process would not only increase transparency and inclusivity, but also enhance trust and confidence in the outcome of the selection process.

 

6.Second, the integrity and independence of the Secretary-General must remain paramount.The Secretary-General must not be perceived as beholden to the major contributors. This perception would risk undermining confidence in the Office, particularly when it comes at the expense of priorities advanced by smaller countries. Ensuring balanced, equitable consideration of all Member States’ concerns is critical to preserving the legitimacy and effectiveness of the UN.

 

7.Third, it may be timely for the Secretary-General, within his mandate, to consider a more proactive role in helping to overcome instances of polarization and paralysis within the Security Council, when they arise. Malaysia commends Secretary-General António Guterres for invoking his authority under Article 99 of the Charter in December 2023, urging the Council to act to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and to unite in support of a humanitarian ceasefire. When employed in the interest of peace, and to prevent humanitarian disaster or mass atrocities, Article 99 represents a powerful instrument available to the Secretary-General – one that should serve the cause of humanity and justice.

 

Madam President,

 

8.In conclusion, Malaysia stands ready to work with the current and the next Secretary-General to advance a stronger, more effective multilateral system that remains committed to serving “we the peoples”, and to further the purposes of the UN Charter.

 

Thank you.