Since Malaysia joined the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member nearly 18 months ago - its two-year term as a non-permanent member in the UNSC expires at the end of the current year -- the country has played a "constructive role" within that body on key issues in world affairs.
The composition of the UNSC includes 10 non-permanent and five permanent members.
"Malaysia has played a constructive role in the Security Council when it comes to key world issues," emphasised Datuk Ramlan Ibrahim, Malaysia's permanent representative to the UN, in an interview with Bernama at his office.
Also present at the interview were two senior Malaysian diplomats, Datuk Raja Reza Raja Zaib Shah, the deputy permanent representative, and Johan Ariff Abdul Razak, the Malaysian mission's political coordinator.
"The feedback we get from UN diplomatic circles is that Malaysia, despite being a small country, is perceived as a serious player in world affairs because its position is based on principles," said Ramlan, adding that this had enhanced Malaysia's credibility.
In context of the Palestinian struggle, for example, Malaysia had equally criticised violence by non-state actors and even by Palestinians as much as it had condemned excesses by Israeli armed forces against Palestinians.
Malaysia's "principled position" was also evident when it recently, under Egypt's presidency of the UNSC, organised together with Angola, Egypt, Senegal and Venezuela, an Arria-formula meeting on protection of Palestinian civilian population.
Arria-formula meetings, named after former ambassador Diego Arria of Venezuela, the initiator of such meetings in 1992, are informal, confidential gatherings that allow Security Council members to meet on a specific topic and hear from people who normally would not have the opportunity to speak at regular meetings or consultations of the Council.
However, the UN has also recently drawn flak because of the conduct of some of its peacekeepers doing duty in a number of countries affected by armed conflict.
The United Nations has faced outrage and condemnation over allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers and foreign forces deployed in the Central African Republic.
Malaysia, according to Ramlan, has enjoyed respect from the international community also because of its contribution in peacekeeping efforts.
Malaysian "blue helmets", as UN peacekeepers are called, also do duty in the service of the UN in various countries.
Of the total of 890 Malaysian "blue helmets", some 800 are stationed in Lebanon while some are stationed in Morocco, Western Sahara, South Sudan, etc. Malaysian peacekeepers have been praised for their "dedicated service and professionalism".
Ramlan said Malaysia was also "working hard" for its forthcoming presidency of the UNSC in August.
This will, incidentally, be Malaysia's second one-month long presidency; it held the UNSC presidency last year.
As was the case during its first one-month long presidency last year, Malaysia will also raise the issue of Children in Armed Conflict dwelling on the Secretary General's report - the "centerpiece" - on the subject.
"My team and I are currently pre-occupied with preparing for Malaysia's final Security Council presidency in August. Besides the issue of Children in Armed Conflict, we may also include issues such as the situation in Haiti, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Central Asia, etc. We are also mulling over the possibility of having another event on Palestine.
"There is respect for Malaysia...people saw how we engaged with the Russians over the downing of Malaysia Airlines MH17 flight in Eastern Ukraine (in 2014), and how we maintained a well-balanced, pragmatic relationship with Russians, Ukrainians, Americans, Chinese, etc.
"The US was surprised because they had expected us to take confrontational position and they have realised that we are not afraid to take principled positions," said Ramlan.
Bernama
Mon May 23 2016
Ramlan said Malaysia was also "working hard" for its forthcoming presidency of the UNSC in August.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.