Model United Nations - Posotion Paper

Name: Muhammad Danish Rafique
Committee: Historical General Assembly
Country: Malaysia

Position Paper for Historical General Assembly

Topics before the Historical General Assembly are: South African Apartheid and Revaluation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Government of Malaysia is committed in upholding the rights of diverse races in South African region against apartheid policy, and at the same time striving hard to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the of 2015 which is in accordance of Malaysian vision, Wawasan 2020, of attaining status of Developed Country by the end of 2020.

I. South African Apartheid
Government of Malaysia is indubitably against discrimination especially on the basis of races in South Africa and anywhere else in the world.

Delegate of Malaysia recommends western countries to recognize their role in South Africa. Western countries, especially veto powers, need to decisively be in agreement with the economic sanctions proposed in UN for the sake of humanity. Recognizing the role in Commonwealth of Nations Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Muhammad, significantly impinged on Apartheid policy by being in favor of demarking South Africa from Commonwealth in 1961 and by leading proponent of economic sanctions over South Africa in 1970s and 1980s. Government of Malaysia endorses UN General Assembly resolution 1761 passed in 1961 to condemn apartheid policy, resolution 181 passed in 1963 to end arms embargo and resolution 392 passed in 1976 to condemn Soweto massacre. Malaysia also recognizes the role of Organization of African Union (OAU) for formulating Lusaka manifesto (in 13th April 1969) against racial discrimination.

Having faith in common people of South Africa, Malaysia supports peaceful demonstrations throughout the country and condemns any persecutions by the government to rights of civilians. Malaysia as lead by democratic revolutionist plea in favor of Deputy President of African National Congress (ANC), Rolihlahla Mendala, to end his life imprisonment and to be allowed to actively participate in open African politics.

In order to maintain peace and security UN watch dogs should be ordered to report on timely basis to on the socio-political status of South Africa. UN in turn should take immediate diplomatic steps and political pressures to counter the adverse situation. Until major violence breaks out e.g. Sharville Massacre in 1959, Malaysia opposes direct intrusion by the international forces in the region, because it may disturb political dialogues between racial groups.

II. Revaluation of Millennium Development Goals
Malaysia, as one of the region’s most dynamic economies, has had an impressive track record of sustained economic growth, substantial poverty reduction, and progress in human development over the last few decades. Despite the shock of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the country’s economy has recovered and grew at an annual average rate of 5.3 per cent between 2000 and 2006. The national poverty rate halved between 1990 and 1999, from 16.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent, and was just 5.7 per cent in 2004. In that year, Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and culturally diverse population achieved high human development status. The country has achieved all the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at an aggregate level, except for halting and beginning to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Keeping global standing in mind Malaysia views certain factors that resulted in setbacks in implementation of MDGs; Post Cold War era world has witnessed small and large scale wars such Soviet Expansion and American invasion in Vietnam; Inability of financial institutions, such as World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to maintain acceptable liquidity into the economy which resulted in early 1980s and late 2008 economic recession; and shallow dedication towards African countries to help them achieve MDGs, in 1990, poverty and hunger in African countries were suppose to cut by half but unfortunately current situation has not improved in many areas.

Malaysian government recommends to United Nation to enhance its effort in African countries. Malaysia recognizes and supports the efforts of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPDA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Inter- Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). And lastly Malaysian Government pays tribute to UNDP to their flawless support and guidance in making Malaysia what it is today.