Malaysia's Role in Peace Accord Augurs Well in Bid for UNSC Seat

By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's role as facilitator in the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) augurs well in its bid for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) non-permanent member seat. Expressing his optimism on Malaysia's quest to secure the seat, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) chief executive Rastam Mohd Isa said the role played by Malaysia in the negotiation was recognised and respected by global and regional communities and raised its stature in international diplomacy. "I think Malaysia's effort was well received by other parties, including the UN. This will help Malaysia gain more support for the nomination as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council at the end of the year," he said when contacted Friday. On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said Malaysia could help contribute to regional stability if it were to win a seat as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council next year. It was announced last year that Malaysia is Asean's candidate for the non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2015-2016 term with the theme 'Peace and Security through Moderation'. The signing of the peace accord between the Philippine government and the MILF that seeks the creation of the self-governing political entity called Bangsamoro on March 27 in Manila was witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III and Prime Minister Najib Razak. Rastam said Malaysia could benefit from the peace agreement through involvement in business, trade and investment opportunities not only in the Bangsamoro administrative region but also other regions in the Philippines. "There is also the possibility for Malaysia playing a similar role (as facilitator in peace talks) in conflict areas, especially in the region," he added. He said the success of the signing of a Malaysia-brokered peace accord for southern Philippines served as a stimulus for Wisma Putra (Foreign Ministry) to train young diplomats in conflict resolution if Malaysia were to continue to play the role of facilitator in conflict zones. Rastam cited Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi, whom young diplomats could emulate, whose services was sought time and again by the UN secretary-general to help resolve conflicts in a number of countries in Africa and West Asia, lately Syria. -- BERNAMA