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STATEMENT BY

MS. ZAIMIRA ZULKIFLI

DELEGATE TO THE 79^TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

DURING THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON

AGENDA ITEM 69: ELIMINATION OF RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED INTOLERANCE

 

THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 79^TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, as well as with Egypt's statement on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The following remarks are made in our national capacity.

 

2. Racism and discrimination undermine the very fabric of society, leading to social fragmentation and injustice. Malaysia is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of their background, is treated with dignity and respect. Our multi-ethnic and multi-religious society is a testament to the strength that diversity can bring, and we believe that embracing this diversity is essential for our collective progress.

 

3. Malaysia is deeply committed to the principle of peaceful coexistence and the promotion of empathy among various ethnicities and beliefs. We believe that moderation fosters acceptance and understanding among diverse communities, thus contributing towards peace. Through the Malaysia Madani framework, we have undertaken various efforts to unify the different ethnicities in Malaysia, striving to bring our society closer together as one nation while respecting and celebrating each community's unique identity.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

4. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) are pivotal frameworks in the global endeavour to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.  Together, these declarations serve as crucial instruments that not only foster international cooperation and solidarity but also empower nations to adopt effective policies and practices that promote tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for diversity. As we navigate an increasingly polarised world, reaffirming our commitment to these frameworks is essential in building societies that are resilient to hatred and discrimination.

 

5. Unfortunately, after more than two decades of the adoption of the VDPA and DDPA, we are witnessing a troubling reversal of progress. Instead of the anticipated advancement, acts of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, particularly Islamophobia, have surged alarmingly across the globe, often masked as an exercise of freedom of opinion and expression.  Additionally, we are also witnessing the troubling intensification of apartheid practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territories by Israel, driven by a deeply entrenched sense of ideological and racial superiority.  Both the rise in Islamophobia as well as the blatancy of apartheid in the Occupied Palestinian Territories share a common root cause – impunity due to the refusal of States to take action to stop the violation of human rights arising from such acts. We believe that silence, coupled with the lack of legal deterrence, will only embolden the perpetrators, and perpetuate the cycle of grave human rights violations. 

 

6. Malaysia denounces the repeated hate crimes targeting Muslims around the world as well as all forms of incitement to hatred and the fanning of racism in word or deed.  The propagation of Islamophobia as well as its legitimisation within political circles is disturbing and runs contrary to universal human rights principles.  This situation is unacceptable and must not continue. In the era of globalisation, there is ample opportunity for all communities to coexist harmoniously. It is our collective responsibility, under the banner of a united world, to ensure that peace and understanding prevail. 

 

Mr. Chair,

 

7.         As global tensions rise due to state-to-state competition and conflict, the need for unity is more urgent than ever.  We call on all Member States to redouble their efforts in implementing the VDPA and DDPA, taking decisive actions to eradicate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, with particular emphasis on combating Islamophobia.  Malaysia will continue to work closely with the international community to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence and hatred against Islam, including Islamophobia sentiments and extremism.

 

I thank you.