UNSC As Platform For Malaysia To Be More Vocal

By Mohd Faizal Bin Hassan and Rohana Binti Nasrah KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- What Malaysia needs, now that it has once again secured a non permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), is to be more vocal in promoting moderation and world peace. The nation must also regard the seat as a platform to promote negotiations in resolving international security issues. Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) special envoy to Myanmar, Syed Hamid Albar, who is also a former Foreign minister said new challenges may surface for Malaysia in the execution of its responsibilities, for which it must be ready. "Alhamdulilah we did very well as a result of the hardwork of the team. It also shows the good and positive image and reputation of the country amongst members of the international community. "I am very proud of our team and my big...big congratulations. There are a lot of challenges we will face during this period as we are living in an uncertain international environment," he told Bernama Friday. Malaysia won its bid for the seat, obtaining 187 of the 192 votes cast. The new councillors will serve from Jan 1, 2015 to Dec, 31, 2016. Prime minister Najib Razak in his reaction to the win, has outlined five priorities to be undertaken by Malaysia in its role. Malaysia will promote global moderation, advocate mediation as an approach in resolving conflicts, and motivate UN peacekeeping operations. It will also help to facilitate the peace building process in countries facing conflicts, and pursue deliberations on UNSC's comprehensive reformation. Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Geostrategy lecturer Prof Dr Azmi Hassan wants Malaysia to be more daring in pushing for the restructuring of the UN. Azmi said the restructuring proposal must be pursued, and that when Malaysia takes its turn to chair the council, the issue should be made the main agenda in the discussions. "Malaysia has a heavy responsibility in providing the momentum towards restructuring the UN to rectify the weaknesses," he said. Describing Malaysia's election as an endorsement by the international community, Assoc Prof Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said Malaysia must continue its policy of moderation, and counter extremism in order to serve as an example to developed nations and other developing countries. The Universiti Utara Malaysia, Law, Government and International Studies College dean said Malaysia has a great advantage in deciding the geopolitical direction of world countries where disparity exists between the super powers and the small states. "Domination of the super powers is becoming unconstrained; at the same the UN seem to be without a stand and are not unanimous in important issues particularly international laws. "For example, the conflict between Palestine and Israel. Malaysia, as a country with a consistent stand in this issue can advocate how crucial it is to accord it international attention," he said. Meanwhile, 1Malaysia Foundation trustee Lee Lam Thye said with the new responsibility, Malaysia could play a more proactive role in the days ahead to deliberate and find solutions to issues concerning world peace and security, as well as to work towards putting Malaysia on a higher profile in the international arena. -- BERNAMA