Malaysia wins seat at UN Security Council

By admin-s On Oct 17, 2014

(Rappler) – Under the leadership of Prime Minister Najib Razak, Muslim-majority Malaysia has been harping on its image as a diverse, tolerant nation committed to fighting extremist and radical groups.

Malaysia will lead ASEAN as it sits on the so-called top table of the world, the powerful UN Security Council

Malaysia will assume two key posts in the global stage by 2015. Besides leading the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Kuala Lumpur will also take its seat at the world’s so-called “top table.”

Malaysia overwhelming won a seat at the United Nations Security Council in an unopposed campaign to represent Asia in the UN’s most powerful body.

Kuala Lumpur obtained 187 votes from the 193-member UN General Assembly in elections held at the UN Headquarters here in New York on Thursday, October 16.

Also winning non-permanent seats are Angola, Venezuela, New Zealand, and Spain. Turkey only obtained 60 votes, less than the required two-thirds or 129. It took 3 ballots to determine if Spain or Turkey will clinch the seat.

Like the other top diplomats from countries vying for seats, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Anifah Aman was present to witness the vote.

“The number of votes received bears testimony to Malaysia’s long-standing reputation as a responsible member of the international community, particularly in the context of international peace and security,” Anifah said after Malaysia’s election.

The minister thanked the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia Pacific Group and the Gulf Cooperation Council for endorsing Malaysia’s bid for the Council.

Reiterating a key message of Malaysia during its campaign, Anifah said Kuala Lumpur will continue to promote “moderation” as an approach to conflict resolution. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Najib Razak, Muslim-majority Malaysia has been harping on its image as a diverse, tolerant nation committed to fighting extremist and radical groups.

Anifah added that Malaysia will focus on supporting countries emerging from conflict, reform the exclusive Security Council, and “enhance” peacekeeping operations. Malaysia is the 34th top troop contributing country to peacekeeping, with 874 peacekeepers deployed as of September.

In its campaign, Malaysia cited its role as the facilitator in the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Malaysia will replace South Korea in the UN body in charge of maintaining international peace and security.