Malaysia calls for urgent reforms of UN Peacekeeping operations
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that peacekeepers today face emerging challenges, adding that the dynamic geopolitical landscape underscores the importance of continued evolution in UN Peacekeeping.
He said that two key shifts are essential to advancing meaningful reform.
"Firstly, equipping our peacekeepers with technologically advanced equipment and weaponry is paramount. The strategic integration of cutting-edge technology into peacekeeping operations serves as a powerful deterrent against hostile entities.
"This integration will significantly enhance our forces' capability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats in peacekeeping missions. A technologically empowered peacekeeping force not only projects strength and moral authority but also reinforces the collective resolve to uphold peace and security," he said.
Mohamed Khaled said this during his intervention for High-Level Session II - Peacekeeping Reform: More Effective and Safer Peacekeeping during the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 forum, held here on Wednesday (May 14).
He added that the UN must emphasise capacity-building because, as a longstanding troop-contributing country, Malaysia strongly believes in the critical importance of training, particularly in areas that enhance interoperability, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and improve peacekeepers' overall safety and effectiveness.
"As missions grow more complex, it is imperative that we invest in training programmes that not only develop core operational competencies but also prepare personnel to integrate and utilise advanced technologies effectively.
"At the same time, we must ensure that our institutional frameworks and policies evolve together with these technological developments. This includes revising operational doctrines, updating standard operating procedures, and establishing clear guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies," he said.
Mohamed Khaled emphasised that peacekeeping reform lies at the intersection of technology, training, and policy.
"By equipping our peacekeepers with modern tools, investing in comprehensive capacity-building, and ensuring our institutional frameworks remain agile and responsive, we can build a force that is not only operationally ready and effective but also guided by strong values and a deep sense of responsibility," he said.
The biannual forum brings together the country's top leaders and officials who support the security mission under the UN. Mohamed Khaled took the opportunity to voice his views and renew the country's commitment to supporting the global security effort. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
5 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Bumiputera empowerment agenda continues in 13MP
KUALA LUMPUR: The bumiputera socio-economic empowerment agenda as outlined in the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA 35) continues to be emphasised in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said this effort ensures that no one is marginalised in the 13MP implementation, and at the same time, the government will continue to eradicate poverty regardless of ethnicity. "In principle, the government has always abided by what is enshrined in the Constitution, as emphasis is given to bumiputeras and this will always be safeguarded," he said when winding up the debate on the 13MP motion in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Amir Hamzah, who also carries out the duties and functions of the economy minister, stressed that the issue of poverty affects all regardless of ethnicity or religion, and the government needs to address poverty eradication holistically. "The bumiputera affirmative agenda will continue to be safeguarded as enshrined in the Constitution, and poverty will be addressed in line with the implementation of needs-based policies," he added. He said the government is committed to intensifying comprehensive development based on multiple dimensions to create equitable opportunities, thus increasing social mobility and the well-being of the rakyat through the needs-based approach. "This effort will benefit all target groups in need, including bumiputera, Orang Asli, Sabahans, Sarawak bumiputera, as well as the Indian and Chinese communities," he said. – Bernama
Rakyat Post
2 hours ago
- Rakyat Post
Rukun Negara: Is There Enough Politeness And Decency Going Around?
Subscribe to our FREE The Rukun Negara (National Principles) is Malaysia's national philosophy, which was declared in 1970 by the fourth Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Almarhum Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Zainal Abidin following the 13 May 1969 racial riots. It was designed to foster unity and strengthen national identity in Malaysia's diverse, multi-ethnic society. These principles serve as a guide for Malaysian citizens in nation-building, social harmony, and loyalty to the country. The text in Malaysia's Rukun Negara mentions its Achieve greater unity in Malaysians. Preserve a democratic way of life. Create a just society where the nation's prosperity is fairly shared. Ensure a liberal approach to Malaysia's rich and diverse cultural traditions. Build a progressive society oriented towards modern science and technology. Typically recited at school assemblies and official events, the Rukun Negara always begins with a preamble that goes: 'Maka kami, rakyat Malaysia, berikrar akan menumpukan seluruh tenaga dan usaha kami untuk mencapai cita-cita tersebut berdasarkan prinsip-prinsip berikut' (Therefore we, the people of Malaysia, pledge to devote all our energy and efforts to achieving these ideals based on the following principles) The preamble is followed by: Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan (Belief in God). Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara (Loyalty to King and Country). Keluhuran Perlembagaan (Supremacy to the Constitution). Kedaulatan Undang-undang (Rule of Law). Kesopanaan dan Kesusilaan (Politeness and Decency). Image: Malaysia National Archive The underrated principle Referring to a Bernama According to him, a progressive society is not limited to technological or economic advancements, but also places high value on humanity to enable every individual to work together where beneficial relationships thrive. 'Surely, we do not want to shape a society devoid of human values, resembling soulless robots. Likewise, in social interactions, every word or writing reflects one's personality,' he said. Shazwan's views and words are linked closely to the fifth Principle: Politeness and Decency. Image: Institute of Strategic and International Studies A Rukun Negara 'Every person and every group should manage their affairs in a manner that does not violate morality. This morality abhors and condemns behaviour or actions that are arrogant or offend the feelings of a group' 'A citizen should not question the loyalty of another citizen on the grounds that he or she comes from a certain lineage. Polite behaviour also includes a high degree of morality in both our private and public lives' It's a good principle to follow, yet many still choose to ignore it The lack of morality and decency is evident in today's news headlines, and it doesn't take an expert to see it. Take for example, a recent case where a security guard picks a fight with a trained martial artist simply because he thought he was being recorded while he was bullying an older man. The security guard responded with aggression and provocation, while the martial artist used his skills to defuse the situation. Although to be fair, the security guard later publicly apologised for his behaviour. Just imagine: A full-grown adult man was behaving aggressively and making inappropriate remarks about someone just because he thought he got caught bullying an elderly. If he had just practiced the fifth Principle, there would not even be any elderly bullying in the first place. READ MORE: Image: MRT Corp In more recent events, a string of Malaysian flags being spotted flown upside down at certain establishments have sparked anger and online criticism, often leading to cyberbullying and persecution. As much as the anger is understood since it is the Jalur Gemilang being displayed the wrong way, it also begs the questions as to why every person's first instinct is to record or photograph the upside down flag and spread it on social media for everyone to demonise the person who hung the flag before finding out what really happened. A moral and decent thing to do would be to approach the owner of the flag and inform them to correct it. If the owner refuses to, or is doing it on purpose to disturb public peace, getting authorities involved would be the next responsible step. In fact, individuals who were quick to judge found themselves silenced after one case of an upside down flag at a factory in Melaka turned out to be a case of strong winds that caused the flag to become undone from its pole and ended up upside down. READ MORE: These are just a few examples of how a handful of individuals in Malaysian society today behaves. The Rukun Negara was created to foster unity in Malaysians, but it will only work if everyone practices it. Anything that is strong is typically built on strong foundations, and the fifth principle is at the bottom not because it is low in priority, but because it acts as a solid foundation to build on the rest of the principles further up in the list. In the spirit of the 68th Hari Merdeka, look to the fifth principle in the Rukun Negara and start being kind, respectful, and decent to your fellow Malaysians. Bersatu Kita Teguh, Bercerai Kita Roboh Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
Media Freedom Coalition Urges Israel To Allow Foreign Journalists Access To Gaza
Palestinians inspect the site of an overnight Israeli strike on a house, in Gaza City, August 20, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas ISTANBUL, Aug 21 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Members of the Media Freedom Coalition called on Israel on Thursday to provide independent foreign journalists immediate access to Gaza, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation and growing concerns about press freedom, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. In a joint statement, 26 countries, including Australia, Germany, Japan, the UK, and several EU member states, urged Israel to "allow immediate independent foreign media access and afford protection to journalists operating in Gaza." The coalition stressed that reporters play an important role in documenting wartime conditions. bootstrap slideshow 'Access to conflict zones is vital to carrying out this role effectively. We oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts.' The group also condemned violence against journalists, pointing out the "extremely high number of fatalities, arrests, and detentions" since the war began. 'Deliberate targeting of journalists is unacceptable,' the statement read, adding that international humanitarian law protects civilian journalists during armed conflict. The coalition urged Israeli authorities and "all other parties" to ensure that local and foreign journalists in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem can work freely and safely. It further demanded investigations into attacks on journalists and accountability for those responsible 'in compliance with national and international law.' Beyond press freedom, the statement reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire, unconditional release of remaining hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.
