UN Security Council: Malaysia puts on muscle
However, Najib has to take note that he has to start at home first, for an increasing number of Malaysians feel he is not implementing his “moderation” policy at home. Critics point to the many people – most of whom are opposition members or who have criticised the government – who have been or are being charged under the Sedition Act.
Rasa Writes
Congratulations are in order. Malaysia has secured a seat in the United Nations Security Council. It will sit as a member of the prestigious and powerful UNSC as a non-permanent member for a two-year term.
It is a testament to the foreign policy pursued by the government and the efforts of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and ministry staff who went around lobbying leaders of various nations to support Malaysia’s bid.
This will be the fourth time Malaysia sits in the UNSC. It was a non-permanent member in 1965, 1989/90 and 1998/90.
It is not easy gaining entry into the club of 15 at the UN but Malaysia has done it with the backing of its allies and friends based on its general stance of neutrality and moderation. A total of 187 nations out of 193 voted for Malaysia.
Of course, Malaysia had earlier won the backing of countries in the Asia Pacific to be the sole candidate to represent the region. The Association of South-East Asian Nations, for instance, gave its full backing.
All this, of course, involved some deft diplomatic footwork.
Being a member of the UNSC offers Malaysia a say in decisions that will be taken at the topmost level in the world. It also means that Malaysia is likely to receive more in aid from the UN and the United States for its programmes.
Najib said today that “all Malaysians should feel proud of this achievement” and I agree. Whether one is a supporter of the Barisan Nasional or the federal opposition, everyone should feel proud that Malaysia is now on the most powerful panel in the world.
Najib said the confidence in Malaysia was due to the “strong record of promoting peace, moderation and security around the world”, citing as an example Malaysia’s role in brokering a peace agreement between the Philippine government and Muslim rebels in the south of that country.
“We are increasingly being recognised and valued as a global partner for peace and security. With our Security Council seat, Malaysia will promote international peace and security by advancing a Malaysian vision of peace and moderation. It is a vision that I believe will ensure world peace.”
These are grandiloquent words. I hope that even if Malaysia is not able to “ensure world peace”, it will be able to reduce conflicts among peoples in all parts of the world.
