STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE PLENARY MEETING OF THE 78TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
AGENDA ITEM 63- USE OF THE VETO
GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL, NEW YORK,
23 APRIL 2024
Mr. President,
At the outset, my delegation thanks you for convening this important meeting. We note that this is the second time that this Meeting is held, following the adoption of Resolution 76/262 by this august Assembly. Malaysia values this opportunity for Member States to take stock of the progress and assess the implementation of this Resolution.
Mr. President,
Based on UN record, the veto has been used 293 times since 1946. Over the years, it can be observed that some permanent members, more than others, are more inclined to exercise the veto. Arguably, the exercise of veto is almost always unpopular and damages the credibility of the permanent member casting it. The use of veto has time and again rendered the Security Council paralysed, making the Security Council completely ineffective and incapable to deliver on its mandate of maintaining global peace and security. It has led to widespread disillusionment, as well as eroding trust and confidence in the overall UN - led multilateral process, particularly in the realm of peace and security.
Malaysia recognises that Resolution 76/262 on Veto Initiative is pivotal in bolstering our efforts, within the framework of the General Assembly, to improve the transparency, accountability, and legitimacy of the veto privilege. At its core, resolution 76/262 endeavors to recalibrate the balance between the exercise of the veto, and the imperative of accountable decision-making by the permanent members. By introducing measures to enhance visibility into the veto process, we strive to curb potential abuse and ensure that the veto is exercised judiciously.
Mr. President,
My delegation commends the aspiration of this Resolution towards enhancing transparency and accountability, by holding the relevant permanent member responsible for its action. We are convinced that this Resolution has strengthened the overall credibility and relevance of the General Assembly, in its role to address pressing global challenges, in line with the principles of the UN Charter. The wider member of the General Assembly now has the opportunity to also deliberate on political and security issues of common concerns, and scrutinise the suitability of the veto exercised in the Security Council. We have hoped that this would compel Permanent Members to apply more caution and exercise their veto power more responsibly.
Malaysia welcomes the Special Report prepared by the Security Council, in accordance with paragraph three of General Assembly resolution 76/262. Malaysia also values the Summary of the Veto Initiative meetings, prepared by the Office of the President of the General Assembly. While both documents have proven to be insightful, Malaysia strongly believes that the Special Report by the Security Council should move beyond procedural description, and include more substantive analysis on deliberated subjects.
Mr. President,
It is most regrettable that despite our efforts, some permanent members continue to abuse their veto privilege. Since its adoption in 2022, Resolution 76/262 has been activated one too many times. We have already observed the veto being exercised four times so far this year. We have witnessed, in great exasperation, how the veto power has frustrated initiatives towards establishing a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and blocked the admission of the State of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations. Both issues enjoy overwhelming support of wider UN membership.
Malaysia’s position on the use of the veto is clear. The veto power is out-dated, undemocratic and contradicts the principle of sovereign equality of all Member States. We maintain that ultimately, the veto privilege must be abolished. Until the time when the veto is completely abolished, the use of veto should be regulated, with complete prohibition in cases of mass atrocity crimes.
Mr. President,
The Veto Initiative is a positive step forward in strengthening multilateralism. We must continue our concerted efforts to make the United Nations more efficient, effective, democratic and fit-for-purpose. Let me conclude by assuring you of Malaysia’s commitment towards this endeavour.
I thank you for your attention.
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