United Nations General Assembly

Thirteenth Session

761st Plenary Meeting

Friday, 26 September 1958, at 3 p.m.

New York.

President: Mr. Charles MALIK (Lebanon).

General debate (continued)

Mr. ISMAIL (Federation of Malaya): This is the second occasion on which we have been privileged to participate in a regular session of the General Assembly since the Federation of Malaya attained its independence on 31 August 1957, and I should like to take this opportunity to reaffirm the determination of the Government and people of the Federation of Malaya to observe the principles and further the purposes of the United Nations and renew our pledge to uphold the Charter.

2. Since the emergence of the Federation of Malaya as a sovereign, democratic and independent State, the intention of our Government has been to be on the most friendly terms with all countries in the world. As is inscribed in our Proclamation of Independence, our State is “founded on the principles of liberty and justice, and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of its people and the maintenance of a just peace among all nations”. In keeping with this, the Government of the Federation of Malaya stands for peace, freedom and the well-being of every country in the world.

3. The Government and people of Malaya have great faith in the United Nations. Our foreign policy is based on this faith in the United Nations and on respect for its purposes and principles. It is our policy to support the Organization. We take every important declaration and decision of the United Nations in earnest. I believe that in this matter we share the attitude and feelings of other small nations, which depend for the maintenance of their territorial integrity and sovereignty and for the fulfilment of their desires for peace, justice and freedom on the willingness of the great Powers to respond to the moral force of the declarations and decisions of this world Organization.