NEW YORK: The United Nations headquarters here, commonly referred to as the “glass house”, has often been subjected to a deluge of vilification.
Many wish to see a stronger UN and many leaders talk about the need to reform the UN Security Council (UNSC). Malaysia is now part of the UNSC after being voted in as a non-permanent member for a two-year term on Thursday.
There are huge expectations but, as Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman puts it, the reforms will not happen overnight.
“We have to realise it is not as easy as that. Somebody once told me that it may take a third World War to change the UN charter,” he said to a question on how Malaysia expected to play a significant role now that it has a seat at the most powerful table in the world, which also sits five superpowers with veto powers.
Anifah pointed out that the resounding victory in securing a seat in the UNSC reflected the hope of countries that had voted for Malaysia to continue voicing out the stand of smaller countries with otherwise little clout.
It should be noted that it is the smaller states which make up over half of the UN membership of 193 countries.
That said, Malaysia has made it clear from the onset that it will not just sit back and let the bigger boys dictate terms.
Malaysia plans to play a more significant role in resolving conflicts, with Kuala Lumpur indicating its willingness to take up the role of a mediator.
“Our stand has always been very consistent. We do not believe in military aggression. Although talking about moderation is easier said than done but we still believe in mediation and engagement.
“Therefore, our priority is to continuously engage with countries involved in conflicts.”
Malaysia, which ran its campaign based on “peace and security through moderation”, has been consistent in committing to avoiding confrontations while promoting peace, moderation and security around the world.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysia’s election to the UNSC was an endorsement of its foreign policy.
Securing the seat, he said, would enable Malaysia to promote international peace and security by advancing a vision of peace and moderation.
Malaysia’s two-year term is undoubtedly going to give the country a high-profile arena to demonstrate that it is truly capable of contributing towards conflict resolutions without the use of force.
It now remains to be seen if others in the UNSC, especially the Big 5, are willing to play ball.