PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has been committed to comprehensive efforts in reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which includes the use of the veto by permanent members of the Council.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah said, in this context, Malaysia welcomes the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution A/RES/76/262 on 26 April, which provides a mandate to the President of the General Assembly (PGA) to convene a formal meeting within ten working days of the casting of a veto by one or more permanent members of the Security Council and to hold a debate on the situation in which the veto was cast.
“The resolution would allow discussions on issues that were vetoed at the Security Council to ensure greater transparency and accountability over the use of the veto power.
“The resolution, which was co-initiated by Liechtenstein along with other countries, was adopted by consensus. Malaysia supported and joined the consensus on the resolution in line with our position to strengthen the relationship and coordination between the General Assembly and the Security Council on peace and security,” Saifuddin said in a statement.
The Minister added, the adoption of the resolution marks a positive development regarding the use of the veto by the Permanent Members of the Security Council. It represents a minor yet significant improvement to the working methods of the Security Council.
“Malaysia considers the usage of the veto as undemocratic as it is often being used unjustly to block the wishes of the majority. As such, Malaysia has been among the countries that have consistently called for the abolishment of the use of the veto in conformity with the principle of sovereign equality as envisaged in the UN Charter.
“Alternatively, Malaysia urges for the exercise of the veto to be regulated. In this regard, Malaysia will continue to work towards a comprehensive reform of the Security Council,” Saifuddin reiterated.-Malaysia World News
