THE United Nations (UN) was established after the Second World War on 24 October 1945 to promote global peace and harmony, as well as cooperation in economic and social activities. 

At its founding, there were 51 member states; at present, there are 193.  

After achieving independence on August 31, 1957, the Federation of Malaya applied to be a member of the UN. Its wish was granted, and it became the 82nd member soon after with Tun Dr Ismail Abd Rahman appointed as ambassador to the UN and the USA. He stressed the importance of friendly negotiations and compromise, pledging that Malaya would observe the UN Charter. 

True to its pledge, Malaysia demonstrated its commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and the UN Charter. Throughout the years, the country participated in various UN peacekeeping missions, deploying nearly 40,000 people from its police and armed forces. 

Malaysia ranks 19th among 122 troop-contributing countries and has established a training centre in Port Dickson to instruct personnel involved in UN peacekeeping missions. 

Besides this, Malaysia also demonstrates a commitment towards maintaining international peace by participating in UN Security Council discussions on issues related to conflicts and wars. It has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council four times and has participated actively in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with Razali Ismail, a Malaysian diplomat, being elected president of the UNGA during its 51st session in 1996.  

The country has also played a crucial role in the United Nations Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc), being a member of it seven times from 1971-2010. Among Malaysia’s earliest female ambassadors to hold a critical role in the Ecosoc was Lim Phaik Gan, who served as Malaysia’s ambassador-level deputy permanent representative to the UN.  

Another distinguished Malaysian diplomat in the United Nations is Hamidon Ali, who was the first Malaysian diplomat to be elected president of the Ecosoc. In addition, he has served on other committees within the UN, such as the UN Population Award Committee and the UN International Children Emergency Fund. 

On September 22, 2023, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke during the 78th Session of UNGA in New York. He touched on several key issues affecting international security such as the war in Ukraine and the conflicts in Myanmar, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. He expressed grave concern over the worldwide rise in Islamophobia.  

Malaysia may be small compared to other Asian countries, but since its independence, it has demonstrated unceasing support for the UN in maintaining global peace and cooperation. – October 23, 2023.  

* Prof Roy Anthony Rogers reads The Malaysian Insight.  

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.