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 STATEMENT BY

 

Mr. President,

 

Excellencies,

 

Malaysia joins other delegations in thanking you for convening this highly important and timely debate.

 

2.       Indeed, we share the views expressed by the keynote speakers that much work and ground has been covered, all leading to our meeting today.

 

3.       I wish to share some views on several issues relevant to the discussion today, beginning with UN Peacekeeping.

 

4.       At the outset, I wish to reaffirm Malaysia’s commitment to UN peacekeeping, premised on our strong belief in principles of collective security and peaceful settlement of disputes.

 

Mr. President,

 

5.       UN peace operations today operate in increasingly complex and challenging environments; sometimes even in theatres where there is no peace to keep.

 

6.       A number of key recommendations from the HIPPO report, especially those relating to prevention and mediation, should continue to have our full support if UN peacekeeping is to remain relevant.

 

7.       On this note, the proposed consolidation of monitoring functions particularly of child protection advisors under the human rights components of peacekeeping missions, must be implemented with a great deal of caution.

 

8.       This is to ensure that the primary objective of ensuring the safety, security and welfare of children caught in situation of armed conflict is not compromised.

 

9.       We also welcome the establishment of the Office of the Special Coordinator for improving the UN response to sexual exploitation and abuse and congratulate Ms. Jane Holl Lute on her appointment. We reaffirm that UN personnel – both military and civilian – must uphold the highest moral and ethical standards.

 

10.     Another key aspect which I wish to emphasize is partnerships in the maintenance of peace and security, between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations.

 

11.     As a member of ASEAN, we are pleased with the level of engagement with the UN, yet believe this could be enhanced. ASEAN has made great strides in managing conflicts through peaceful means and this can be shared with the international community.

 

Mr. President

 

12.     In countering the threat posed by terrorism, Malaysia is strongly convinced that the role of UNAOC is uniquely important.

 

13.     As such, the work of UNAOC in promoting understanding, tolerance and mutual respect between diverse groups, faiths and religions as well as initiatives aimed at building bridges between diverse communities, must continue to have our support.

 

14.     Malaysia believes that the principle and approach of moderation which promotes inclusive societies, in shaping the agenda for peace, harmony and stability could further strengthen the UNAOC’s work.

 

15.     We shall continue to advocate moderation and the Global Movement of Moderates with a view to strengthen collective efforts not only in tackling violent extremism, but also to ensure sustainable development and equitable growth can be attained.

 

16.     At regional level, moderation can also shape the policy for the maintenance of peace and security. For instance, the ASEAN way of regular informal interactions and consensus-based approach have proven to be successful in conformity of its commitment to peaceful settlement and the non-use of force in territorial disputes. Indeed, the ASEAN way has advertently created an enabling atmosphere for peaceful resolution of conflicts and de-escalation of tensions in the region.

 

Mr. President,

 

17.     At both policy and operational level, post-conflict peacebuilding efforts should also be geared towards inclusiveness. All stakeholders in transitioning and conflict-affected countries, especially women, youth and children cannot be sidelined. They must be afforded adequate space so that they may also participate and contribute in nation-building.

 

18.     There is also a clear need for greater coherence and coordination between peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. This is crucial in achieving sustained peace and security, particularly in preventing relapse into conflict.

 

Mr. President,       

 

19.     The United Nations is at a historic juncture, later this year both the General Assembly and the Security Council will work together to elect a new Secretary-General.

 

20.     We should maintain the momentum and preserve the significant gains achieved in terms of increased transparency and inclusiveness on the SG selection process.

 

21.     As a current member of the Security Council, Malaysia will work tenaciously with other Council members and the General Assembly to ensure our collective aspirations are met.

 

22.     In light of the many challenges ahead of us, the next Secretary-General must build on the successes achieved by the organisation and sustain the momentum to make it “fit for purpose” for the 21st century and beyond.

 

 

I thank you, Mr. President.