PM: Reform necessary to strengthen UN's effectiveness

Reform is necessary to strengthen the United Nations' (UN) effectiveness as a multilateral organisation in a world that has changed significantly since it came into existence 75 years ago, said Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Reform is also needed to bring more transparency to the world body and enhance its credibility, he added.

This was part of his inaugural speech at the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York yesterday, via a pre-recorded video. The text of his speech was made available to the media in Kuala Lumpur by the Foreign Ministry. 

“On this, we must work together to reform the organisation and we hope member states will demonstrate openness, flexibility and political will in the interest of international peace, security and prosperity,” Ismail Sabri said.

UN has to keep pace with a rapidly changing world as it continues to face a crisis of expectations, he added.

Call for stop to violence 

Ismail Sabri also expressed Malaysia's strong beliefs that the UN membership must speak with one voice on the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities in all corners of the world.

“It is unfortunate that the world is far from realising global ceasefire with many places still experiencing instability.

“Malaysia will continue to do what it can in promoting peace and preventing conflict in the conduct of its foreign policy.

"In this regard, Malaysia also reaffirmed its commitment towards global peace, security and prosperity by continuing to lead on the issuance of a joint communique on global ceasefire in June,” he said.

The premier said Malaysia has always been a firm believer in all efforts and initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence between nations, different peoples, faiths and cultures.

Commenting further, he pointed to the crisis in Myanmar since the military seized power from the civilian government on Feb 1 saying the situation there remains a grave concern for Malaysia.

“Malaysia is particularly worried about the humanitarian situation, now further aggravated by Myanmar’s healthcare system which is stretched thin by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“It is absolutely essential for aid to reach those in need,” said Ismail Sabri, adding that Malaysia has hosted more than 150,000 refugees from Myanmar, who make up 86 percent of its refugee population.

Malaysia fully supports the work of the Asean chair’s special envoy on Myanmar, he said, but remains concerned as Myanmar’s authorities have yet to allow the envoy to visit the country.

“We urge the authorities to accept the visit and assist the special envoy in his duties as well as expedite the implementation of the ‘Five-Point Consensus’ agreed upon by Asean,” he added.

The 10-member bloc named Brunei’s second Foreign Minister Erywan Mohd Yusof as the special envoy to Myanmar to facilitate the mediation and dialogue process.

On Palestine, Ismail Sabri said Malaysia is appalled by the deaths of many Palestinian civilians including women and children following the brutal attacks by Israel in May.

“The systematic oppression of Palestinians over many years through discriminatory policies; denial of basic civil rights; imposition of harsh conditions; large scale land confiscation and inhumane acts committed against them is tantamount to the crime of apartheid,” he added.

Malaysia reiterates its call for Israel to be held responsible and accountable for all its wrongdoings, including its flagrant violations of international law.

Malaysia also welcomed the establishment of an international commission of inquiry by the Human Rights Council to investigate violations of international human rights law during the 11-day crisis, Ismail Sabri said.

- Bernama 

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