STATEMENT BY
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE 74TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON AGENDA ITEM 110: REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE WORK OF THE ORGANIZATION
NEW YORK, 22 JANUARY 2020
Mr. President,
I would like to thank the Secretary General for his comprehensive report on the work of the organisation. Allow me to share Malaysia’s views on the report.
2. The 75th anniversary of the United Nations provides us with the opportunity to strengthen our belief and resolve on the aims and purpose of the organisation. We started the year as the Secretary General had put it – with fresh turmoil and longstanding suffering. Unilateral actions continue to test the norm of international cooperation. However, Malaysia believes that seeking common ground is the only sustainable path to address global challenges towards a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
3. Towards this end, the Secretary General’s efforts in reforming the UN to be fit for purpose should continue to be supported. In this regard, it is disappointing to note that less Member States are paying their assessments in 2019 than 2018. This situation will most certainly undermine the ability to implement mandates and approved programmes. Malaysia calls on all Member States to honour their financial obligations in full, on time and without conditions. At the same time, we should avoid introducing changes that in effect make the UN less effective, accountable and responsive.
Mr. President,
4. The report states that over 700 million people still live in extreme poverty. As such, enhanced international cooperation through private-public partnership, adequate financing and innovative solutions is needed more than ever as we enter the Decade for Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.
5. From 6 to 7 November 2019, my Government and the United Nations Country Team convened the Malaysia SDG Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia will continue to work with international partners to ensure effective implementation of the SDGs towards making the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a success.
6. Malaysia also supports the call by the Secretary General to boost all sources of finance for development, particularly on the commitment of developed countries including on official development assistance, in accordance with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
7. On climate change, Malaysia shares the disappointment following the recent COP25 conference in Madrid. The lack of a strong outcome to reinforce the Paris accord raises the stakes for the next climate summit that will be held in Glasgow this year. We believe that the outcome document should reflect and be guided by the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.
Mr. President,
8. On peace and security, Malaysia will continue to support efforts towards resolving conflicts through peaceful means. As one of the 154 countries that have endorsed the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P): Declaration of Shared Commitment, we remain fully committed to its implementation.
9. Malaysia has also been at the forefront of fighting extremism. We look forward to the seventh biennial review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy this June. We hope to work with the international community in addressing current challenges towards realising the goal of building institutional and social resilience against hate speech, extremism and terrorism.
10. On disarmament, Malaysia continues to attach utmost importance to the goal of general and complete disarmament particularly on the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons. Taking into account the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and 25th anniversary of its indefinite extension, Malaysia will work closely with all stakeholders towards realising the goal of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
I thank you, Mr. President.
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