NEW YORK: The conflicts and crises that occur in the world, including in Ukraine, Palestine and Myanmar, cannot be resolved due to the debility of the global governance system and the United Nations (UN).
Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, the biggest problem in the UN is the Security Council. The power of veto is often misused to favor the world powers that have it.
Ismail said, it is not democratic and violates the principles of human rights. This makes it impossible for conflicts to be resolved by any of the permanent members of the Council.
“In line with the principle of one country one vote, now is the time to abolish the veto power. As an organization that brings the spirit and symbol of democracy to the world, the UN needs to return to its foundation,” said Ismail.
Ismail said that in his speech at the General Debate of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly here on 23rd Sept. 2022 under the theme “A Watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges.
“We believe this theme is most apt for the situation that we are going through together. In an interconnected world, the policies and decisions of some countries can affect other nations. For example, in tackling inflation that the world is suffering from, the monetary policy and determining of interest rates by one country also has an impact on other countries.
“In an international financial and monetary structure that is still dominated by a few major powers, as well as during the world economic recovery, domestic monetary decisions have to be adjusted by considering the reality and needs of developing countries.
“In this connection, Malaysia urges the UN Member States to establish an International Monetary Cooperation Mechanism to build a more effective and just system that is able to balance the needs of global development,” Ismail said.
Ismail delivered his speech in Bahasa Melayu and subsequently had created a history for being the first Prime Minister to promote the national language in the international stage such as the UN General Assembly. He had also worn the complete “baju Melayu” and “songkok” as the national suit worn by Malaysians in special functions.
The UN Charter and international laws are there to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes between countries. The charter and the laws set the limits of a country in pursuing its own interests. Based on that principle, Malaysia opposes violations of international laws, including the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity of any nation.
The Prime Minister stressed that when a conflict erupts, all parties hold the responsibility of easing tension and giving priority to the safety and lives of civilians. At the same time, the conflicting parties need to return to the negotiating table to stop the conflict as soon as possible.
“Malaysia does not agree with the isolation of a country from international organizations. Such a measure is against the principle of multilateralism and hinders dialogue. As for the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), Malaysia is disappointed with the brutal occupation by Israel that has been going on for a long time.
“The Palestinians continue to live under the shackles of Israel’s discriminatory policies. Illegal settlements are becoming more widespread. This is against international law, including Security Council Resolution 2334. The most basic rights of the Palestinians continue to be denied.
“Malaysia is of the view that the major powers need to be honest in resolving the issue of cruelty faced by the Palestinians. That firm stand should be taken by the UN, to ensure that the crisis that has been going on for a long time can be resolved quickly,” Ismail reiterated.
Ismail also raised the disappointment of Malaysia that there is no meaningful progress in the implementation of the ASEAN ‘Five Point Consensus’ especially by the Myanmar junta.
He added, in its current form, the ASEAN ‘Five Point Consensus’ cannot continue any longer. Therefore, this consensus needs to be given a new lease of life and refined based on a clearer framework, timeframe and end goal. What is more important is that the aspirations of the people of Myanmar must be fulfilled.
Malaysia strongly emphasizes the importance for the world to address the root cause of the Rohingya crisis. This issue will not be resolved as long as the crisis in the country continues.
The Prime Minister who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bera mentioned that climate change is a universal problem that affects us all. In 2021 Malaysia was struck by the most serious floods in its history, and incurred losses estimated at USD1.4 billion (RM6.1 billion).
“Many lives were lost and almost 100,000 people had to be moved to temporary evacuation centers. This situation happens not only in Malaysia but in several other countries and as such mitigation and adaptation measures need to continue.
“The fact remains that developed countries must bear the responsibility of increasing aid for developing countries by fulfilling their commitment to providing a yearly allocation of USD100 billion unconditionally. This will help realize actions taken against climate change that should have been implemented since 2020. We all share the same concerns on all the issues I have raised,” Ismail said.
Ismail said that Malaysia remains optimistic. He calls on Member States to play their respective roles in overcoming the challenges. However, everyone have to do it together as one big family – the World Family.
“United we stand, divided we fall”, and as long as we are united and strong together in shouldering this burden, I am sure we will succeed.
“Today, I invite the international community to work together by practising the spirit of the World Family in facing global challenges,” Ismail said. –Malaysia World News
