STATEMENT BY
MS. HANA NORDIN
MINISTER COUNSELLOR
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE FOURTH COMMITTEE OF THE 79TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON THE GENERAL DEBATE ON
ITEM 53 – QUESTIONS RELATING TO INFORMATION
5 NOVEMBER 2024, NEW YORK
Madam Chair,
At the outset, Malaysia congratulates you on your election as Chair of the Committee as well as to members of the Bureau. We assure you of our full support and cooperation throughout the work of the Committee at this session. We also appreciate the excellent work carried out by the previous Bureau led by Her Excellency Mathu Joyini during the last session.
2. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Vietnam on behalf of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Uganda on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
Madam Chair,
3. The Department of Global Communications (DGC) plays a very important role in the United Nations system in linking the organization to the people worldwide, narrating the work undertaken by the organization, and relaying the important message to realize its aspiration for peace and a better future.
4. The United Nations, through the works of DGC, has the responsibility to provide for accurate, impartial, comprehensive, balanced, timely, relevant and multilingual information for the masses.
Madam Chair,
5. The exponential advancement of digital technology, its widening coverage, and increasing reliance of people on the digital space, played an important role in dissemination of information. It is unfortunate that the digital divide between nations, areas and group of people exists. Malaysia believes that there is a need to bridge the digital disparities, especially as it can further widen without any active action taken.
6. The digital technology, while being a great tool for the benefit of the people, can also pose a real challenge when misused. Misinformation, disinformation and hate speech, can also be amplified, greatly and swiftly.
7. Malaysia is very concern with the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation and information manipulation, including in the enfolding conflict in the Middle East. It is clear that there are systematic, willful attempts to misinform and mislead, and even to misdirect blame to the victims. It is particularly concerning when the United Nations and its entities, are being targeted in such campaigns, including through personal attacks on its leaders and officials. Even UN peacekeepers and other personnels have not been spared and have been victims of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech campaigns.
8. In this regard, Malaysia commends DGC’s work to establish a central information integrity team as part of its effort to detect the degree of risk of false, misleading or threatening narratives about the Organisation and its work. Communication strategies, taking into account, local situation and knowledge, are crucial for effective response and mitigation of crisis.
Madam Chair,
9. Information is key. As the world is facing many conflicts in different regions, information is key to bring about lasting and sustainable solution. Information is also the key to ensure justice for the victims. Journalist and media workers play an important role in documenting, investigating, verifying, and disseminating facts in conflict zone. Malaysia deplores the targeting of journalist and media workers. Reportedly, at least 182 were killed in Gaza and Lebanon since October 7, 2023, and more are missing and detained.
10. In this vein, Malaysia calls for the end of impunity for crimes against journalists, in particular, in Palestine and Lebanon.
Madam Chair,
11. DGC has a wide range of responsibility, from supporting the UN agenda, to responding to crises and conflict, and to protecting information integrity. Malaysia appreciates the efforts taken and supports the work of DGC, including to counter the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Malaysia stands ready to work closely with all stakeholders to complement the UN’s effort in the field of information and communication towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and in ensuring peace and security.
I thank you.
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