WHEN the word the "United Nations" is mentioned, a picture of a grandiose meeting hall with smartly-dressed, suave diplomats engaged in intense discussion on various problems afflicting the world would most likely come to mind.
While this may be true to a certain degree, the United Nations (UN) is much more than that. To put it simply, I would like to think of the UN as a battleground of different ideas, positions and principles.
On one side you have those that genuinely want to see a better world —a world free from war, free from discrimination, and one that treats all nations and people equally and with dignity.
On the other side, there are those that confine themselves to selfish purposes and are bent on pursuing nationalistic self-interests, irrespective of how it affects others.
While perpetually mindful of our national interests, Malaysia has consistently taken a very principled view on many important issues discussed at the UN.
We don't believe that safeguarding national interest and our national principles are mutually exclusive. In fact, we believe both go hand in hand. It is true when one claims that foreign policy is an extension of domestic policy.
And the ministry has tried its very best to project our national policies and positions at the international arena.
In spite of changes in the country's leadership over the years, and the evolving geopolitical and economic circumstances of the world, a few basic principles of Malaysia's foreign policy has remained intact.
For one, Malaysia has always believed that prosperity can only come through international and regional peace and security.
Thus, we are a firm believer and strong proponent of peace. We have consistently preached that the only viable and sustainable way in resolving disputes and disagreements is through dialogue and diplomacy.
Nothing should be achieved at the end of the barrel of a gun. And Malaysia does not just merely give lip service to this, but we actually walk the talk.
We have mediated numerous disputes in the region, such as in the case of the Southern Philippines Peace Process.
We have even resolved territorial disputes with our neighbouring countries through the International Court of Justice (ICC), and not just once, but twice.
We won in the case of Sipadan and Ligitan, but lost when it came to Pulau Batu Puteh. Yet, we managed to resolve those disputes peacefully and without a single drop of blood.
Malaysia also believes in justice and that all countries should subscribe to multilateralism and strictly adhere to international law.
That is why Malaysia was delighted to have played a major role in the adoption of Security Council resolution 2334 in 2016, which reaffirms that all Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and calls upon Israel to cease all settlement activities.
We were delighted then, but we are equally exasperated now, especially since nothing has changed on the ground.
Palestinians continue to be killed and their land continues to be confiscated. It is blatantly clear that not everyone is equal, nor are they treated equally at the world stage. This cannot be more evident than at the UN.
Some need to abide by international law or, god forbid, the wrath of mighty armies will befall upon them.
On the other hand, there are those that are above the law. They can do no wrong and can commit the most heinous of crimes yet get away with it scot-free. We must acknowledge that in its 75 years of existence, the UN has managed to a certain degree deliver in its mandate to address social problems and alleviate the sufferings of the poor.
But we cannot deny that the UN, and particularly the UN Security Council, has failed in its primary mandate, which is to "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war".
The victors of a war fought 75 years ago are still holding the world to ransom. They often veto a decision, not for the sake of maintaining international peace, but to fulfill their own narrow national agenda. It is for this very reason that Malaysia has called for and will continue to call for a reform of the UN Security Council.
Only with a reformed Council will we have any hope of seeing the august body finally able to address and hopefully resolve some of the conflicts that continue to plague the world. On this battleground, Malaysia has fought the good fight for 63 years and we will continue to do so for as long as we stay true to our ideals.
Malaysia remains a passionate believer in multilateralism and the UN. However, we feel that the UN could be so much more than what it currently is. There are so many problems and challenges that are not being addressed.
As long as this is the case and as long as the olive trees in the Golan Heights continue to burn, Malaysia will continue to speak up and fight for what is right.
We will continue to fight the good fight.
The writer is the deputy secretary-general (multilateral affairs) of the Foreign Ministry