MALAYSIA has signed the instrument to accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Foreign Ministry, in a statement, said Minister Saifuddin Abdullah signed the instrument of accession yesterday, and the instrument was given to the United Nations secretary-general the same day.

ICC was established in 2002, and is governed by the Rome Statute. It is the first permanent and treaty-based international court aimed at ending the perpetration of the most serious crimes worldwide, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“Malaysia’s accession to the Rome Statute reflects its commitment to combating international crimes for global peace and security,” said the statement.

It said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, on February 15, was informed by Saifuddin of the cabinet’s decision to accede to the Rome Statute.

Malaysia is firm in its belief in the rule of law, and acknowledges ICC’s complementary role to domestic legislation, said the ministry.

“Malaysia stands ready to work together with all state parties in upholding the principles of truth, human rights, rule of law, fairness and accountability.” – Bernama, March 5, 2019.