Malaysia 25th biggest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions

Malaysia ranks 25 out of 123 countries in terms of participation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions as of March 31, the Dewan Negara was told today.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin said this made Malaysia one of the largest contributing countries in the number of members to UN peacekeeping missions, involving 859 officers and personnel including 98 women in five UN peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Western Sahara, Abyei Region, South Sudan and Congo.

"Malaysia's involvement in peacekeeping forces reflects the country's commitment to the multilateral system and showcases Malaysia's concern to ensure peace and security at the global level.

"In addition to that, Malaysia has also played an active role in the UN and has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council four times in 1965, 1989 to 1990, 1999 to 2000 and 2015-2016," he said when replying to Senator Paul Igai who wanted to know Malaysia's role in peacekeeping and global security since becoming a member of the UN.

He said Malaysia consistently participated in open debates and briefings at the UN Security Council despite no longer being a non-permanent member of the council to share views and highlight the country's position on issues considered by the council.

He said that through Malaysia's membership in the UN, the country will continue to play an active role in the international arena by participating in the drafting of resolutions at the UN General Assembly.

He said this is to ensure that the country's views and stance and interests at the international level are always highlighted and defended in line with Malaysia's foreign policy.