STATEMENT BY
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE INFORMAL MEETING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON THE BRIEFING BY THE UNSG’S SPECIAL ENVOY ON THE SITUATION IN MYANMAR
NEW YORK, 26 FEBRUARY 2021
Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to thank you Mr. President for convening this meeting.
2. Malaysia associates itself with the statement delivered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the OIC.
3. My delegation would also like to thank Special Envoy Christine Burgener, for her briefing.
4. Malaysia views with serious concern the military takeover in Myanmar on 1 February 2021, and the developments that have ensued. The military takeover is a setback to all the efforts over the last decade towards unity and economic progress in the country. We call on the Myanmar authorities to uphold and respect democratic institutions and processes, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. All relevant parties should exercise restraint from the use of violence that could affect the safety of the members of the public and further escalate the situation in the country.
5. Malaysia sincerely hopes that an amicable solution which upholds the will and aspiration of the people of Myanmar will be pursued promptly. We support efforts to reconcile the differences among Myanmar’s leaders to avoid adverse consequences to the people and the state of Myanmar. Towards this end, Malaysia calls for the prompt release of detained political leaders, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, HE U Win Myint and their associates.
Mr. President,
6. Malaysia hopes that the current situation in Myanmar will not have an adverse impact on the repatriation of displaced Rohingyas. In this context, Malaysia supports Myanmar’s continuous effort in delivering its commitment to begin and ensure effective repatriation and protect the human rights of the returnees.
7. As a country directly impacted by the Rakhine State crisis, Malaysia will continue to support the ongoing efforts towards a safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of displaced Rohingyas to their place of origin in the Rakhine State.
8. Malaysia urges the international community to continue providing support to the Rohingya cause.
Mr. President,
9. As a member of ASEAN, Malaysia looks forward to a return to normalcy in Myanmar. In this context, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the President of the Republic of Indonesia had recently agreed that ASEAN should meet to address the current situation in the best way possible. Efforts are being undertaken in this regard within the ASEAN framework. Malaysia stands ready to work closely with the international community including the United Nations Secretary-General and the Special Envoy as well as other UN mechanisms on this matter. In this context, Malaysia looks forward to the realisation of the proposed visit by the Special Envoy to Myanmar
I thank you.
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