STATEMENT BY
MR. MOHD HAFIZ OTHMAN
MINISTER COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON THE Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council
13 FEBRUARY 2020
Madame Co-Chairs,
Allow me at the outset to congratulate both of you on your appointment to this important portfolio. Please be assured of Malaysia’s confidence and support on your leadership in navigating the Intergovernmental Negotiations this year.
Madame Co-Chairs,
2. My delegation has been consistent in reiterating our position that to make it more legitimate, representative, democratic, accountable and transparent, the reform of the Security Council should be comprehensive, both in terms of its working methods and expansion of its membership.
3. Having said that, we recognize the complexity and challenges associated with the reform process. In this regard, we urge all Member States to demonstrate openness, flexibility and political will to work towards a mutually acceptable conclusion. We also call on all Member States to work collectively in exploring pragmatic approaches aimed at moving the reform process forward, particularly in the areas in which there are still significant differences.
4. In this context, Malaysia is of the view that a text-based negotiation constitutes the ideal step forward in this reform process. My delegation also supports the adoption of the Revised Elements of Commonalities prepared by our previous Co-Chairs as a legitimate working draft for us to base on in our deliberations. We also support any efforts to have an inclusive and transparent Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council reform.
Madame Co-Chairs,
5. The reform of the Security Council is not only pivotal for all Member States but to the United Nations system as a whole. There is no better time for us to transform our Organization for the better as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations this year. It would be a lost opportunity if we do not progress in reaching the much-needed agreement to reform this important organ, in the interest of our international peace and security.
6. Let me conclude by assuring you of Malaysia’s commitment to moving this process forward.
Thank you.
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