Malaysia joining United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Support or Not?
Malaysia joining the International ‘Big-boys’- Support or Not? The Government announced today that Malaysia is, as we speak, flexing our international lobbying muscles on a bid for a seat on the powerful and hugely influential United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This is a rather provocative announcement that stirs the intrigue of those with an interest in matters of the world and Malaysia's place on it. Grunts, irks and ire have been heard and sensed since its announcement. To support or not to support, that is the question. The facts In 1989-1990, and 1999-2000, Malaysia sat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). We were even the UN General Assembly President for the term of 1996-1997. The current candidacy is supported by our ASEAN counterparts, which has been interpreted by many pundit as a way of strengthening Malaysia's recently diminished credibility. On the global stage, post the three Bersih rallies and ridiculous treatment of an Australian Senator, the 2009 Perak constitutional crisis that is still hotly discussed, our Prime Minister’s alleged involvement in the Scorpene scandal, the irregularities reported on the recent General elections, and the most recent ban on non-Muslim use of Allah; it wouldn’t be a surprise to hear sniggers of world leaders when they talk about Malaysia in private huddles. As a developing nation, Malaysia's voice on the international stage is often drowned out by those of other nations'. A seat on the UNSC will spell the opening of a very significant door for Malaysia in being at the same table with the international super powers. Being on the UNSC with the 'big league players' will allow the Malaysian voice to be heard on the international stage, which can only be a postive for all Malaysians. However, our poor ratification record of core human rights treaties have raised the concerns of many other UN member states.
The concerns Being on the UNSC as part of the global discussion and decision making processes on matters within the remit of the UNSC, will be an invaluable impetus for Malaysia to take stock of our own weaknesses. Whilst Malaysia is often seen within our own shores as way below par interms of our record on human rights and equality, the vast world outside are ill aware of what many Malaysians live and breath day by day When I talk about weaknesses, I mean not only the above snigger-worthy embarrassment, but the government’s widely critiqued tardiness on ratifying all the nine core human rights treaties. All we need to do is to look at the latest Act passed in parliament tabled by the government. The Home minister’s passionate defence of ‘his’ Prevention of Crime Act which is an instrument for detention without trial is enough to explain why the tardiness in ratifying Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). You need not be an expert in Government policy to understand why the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) remains unratified. The Opportunity In the case of Malaysia winning the bid, the inevitable heightened international scrutiny upon our nation that comes as 'part of the deal' of being a UNSC member, could play a hugely important function. Wishful thinking as it may, it could well be a catalyst for Malaysia and the government to truly live up to Malaysian as well as International humanitarian ideals. With the UNSC being the top international policy deliberating body that often tackles issue of human rights and equality, we hope that international ideals, ideas and lessons learnt can be brought back to own own shores through our participation. Maybe, however unlikely it may seem, just maybe, being on the UNSC, coupled with the uniquely Malaysian social phenomenon of Kiasu-ness, the government could be pressured into ratifying at the very least the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD); before the next UN Universal Periodic Review in 2018. I have been accused of being unrealistictically optimistic; I call it being hopeful. Yet, I am undecided. As for you my fellow Malaysian, to support or not, it is entirely your choice. I hope now you’re able to make a more educated one.
