UNSC Seat Recognition For Malaysia’s Abilities

By Nur Aimidiyana Zuher KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s victory in securing a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) shows that the international community recognises Malaysia’s ability to play an important role in the resolution of critical global security issues, according to an academician. Winning one of the five vacant non-permanent seats, representing the Asia-Pacific region, has given Malaysia the platform to call for negotiations as a way to resolve international conflicts. National Council of Professors’ Political, Security and International Affairs Cluster Head, Prof Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak said Malaysia’s firmness in adhering to its stand on various issues has thrust it onto the international spotlight as a nation which consistently holds on to its principles in its quest for the truth and justice. CONSISTENT STAND Citing the Palestine and Bosnia issues as examples, he said Malaysia’s stand has been consistent all these years. "The world, especially the UN, knows clearly that Malaysia does not support militants and extremists, and does not make biased decisions. "Our consistency has earned the UN’s respect and it sees Malaysia as qualified to be part of the Security Council," said Mohamed Mustafa. Malaysia was elected as a non-permanent member of UNSC after it secured 187 out of the 192 votes cast during the election for the 2015-2016 term, which took place at the UN in New York on Thursday. Besides Malaysia, the four others which won the non-permanent seats were Angola, Venezuela, New Zealand and Spain. This is the fourth time Malaysia has won a seat in the UNSC. The first time was in 1965, before being elected again in 1989/1990. It secured a seat for the third time in 1999/2000. The UNSC has a total of 15 members, five which are permanent and are held by China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, all of which have veto powers. Mohamed Mustafa said the UNSC seat is a golden opportunity for Malaysia to highlight issues concerning Islam and the developing world. REPRESENTING OTHER NATIONS "The views of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and developing countries are important as well. There are times when their views are sidelined or ignored. "Malaysia will be able to press the UNSC to make decisions that are fair to the Islamic countries and developing nations," he stated. On the long-standing Palestine issue, Mohamed Mustafa said he is confident Malaysia has the capability to pursue the issue effectively on the global platform as it has maintained a consistent stance on the crisis. He also said that Malaysia’s multiracial and multi-religious society, as well as its stability and rapid pace of economic development, are hallmarks of the moderation practised by the government. Malaysia, he added, can promote moderation to bring about world peace. WORLD PERCEPTION Meanwhile, Global Movement of Moderates Foundation chairman Razali Ismail said Malaysia's success in securing a seat in the UNSC as a non-permanent member showed that other nations have confidence in Malaysia to discharge its new responsibilities effectively. "My friends from overseas have expressed their confidence in Malaysia," said the former diplomat. -- BERNAMA