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STATEMENT BY

 

MR. AHMAD GHAZALI BIN MUHAMAD NADZRI

COUNSELLOR

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 2026 SESSION OF THE

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS

AND ON THE STRENGTHENING OF THE ROLE OF THE ORGANIZATION

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Allow me to congratulate you on your appointment as Chair of this Special Committee. Malaysia assures you of its full support in steering our work in a principled and constructive manner.

 

2.         Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

 

3.         For five decades, this Special Committee has upheld the core principles of the Charter. The 1982 Manila Declaration remains a clear affirmation that disputes between States must be resolved through peaceful means and in strict accordance with international law. Today, that message is more urgent than ever.

 

4.         We are deeply concerned by recent instances where unilateral actions and the threat or use of force have undermined the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine and its systematic atrocities against the Palestinian people, which are brazen violations of international law, including international human rights and humanitarian laws, are clear examples. 

 

5.         Malaysia expresses clearly and without ambiguity that the threat or use of force, except as permitted under the Charter, is unlawful and unacceptable. When these principles are disregarded, the credibility of the international legal order is weakened. The Charter obliges all States to settle disputes through peaceful means in order to safeguard international peace and security.

 

 

 

Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

 

Mr. Chair,

 

5.         Malaysia speaks not only from principle, but from experience. Throughout our history, Malaysia has addressed complex territorial and transboundary issues through diplomacy, negotiation, arbitration, and judicial settlement. We have shown that even sensitive and longstanding disputes can be resolved peacefully when States act in good faith and anchor their conduct in international law.

 

6.         Our recourse to adjudication before the International Court of Justice reflects our firm belief that the rule of law, not power, shall prevail in relations between States. Judicial settlement is not a sign of weakness. It demonstrates responsibility, maturity, and confidence in international law.

 

7.         Chapter VI of the Charter provides not only a legal framework, but a practical roadmap. Negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and judicial settlement, including recourse to the International Court of Justice, are essential tools for preventing escalation and building long-term stability. Choosing peaceful mechanisms is an affirmation of trust in the international legal system.

 

Maintenance of International Peace and Security

 

Mr. Chair,

 

8.         On sanctions, Malaysia reiterates that measures adopted by the Security Council must be used strictly as a last resort and in full conformity with the Charter. Broad or indiscriminate measures risk causing humanitarian and socio-economic harm beyond their intended objectives.

 

9.         Malaysia also maintains its principled opposition to unilateral coercive measures imposed outside the United Nations framework. Such actions undermine sovereign equality and disproportionately affect ordinary populations.

 

10.       The Security Council, entrusted with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, must overcome polarization and act with consistency and credibility. Perceptions of selectivity or double standards in the application of international law weaken trust and diminish the legitimacy of the multilateral system.

 

11.       Malaysia stands firm in its commitment to multilateralism, the rule of law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Charter provides us with the framework. What is required is the political will to uphold it consistently and without exception. Malaysia will continue to advocate, firmly and consistently, for a rules-based international order in which disputes are resolved not through force, but through law.

 

I thank you.