It’s official, guys, we are no longer a part of Rome Statute!
Yesterday (15th May), The Star reported that Malaysia was still listed as a member of the Rome Statute treaty on the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) website. Therefore, Malaysia has reached out to the United Nations for an explanation on the latest status on our removal as a signatory of the Rome Statute. The Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying,
“The UN resident coordinator in Malaysia will be asked to explain to the ministry today (May 15) on the process (of withdrawal) and our latest status following the withdrawal.”
“We are disappointed that Malaysia is still named as a member nation of the treaty in the UN website.”
Source: The Star
Following that, the latest update from Wisma Putra confirmed that Malaysia is no longer part of the Rome Statute. The statement, which was shared via Twitter read,
“…the Government of Malaysia has decided to withdraw its instrument of accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on 5 April 2019. Malaysia, therefore, is rescinding its letter of accession and that this withdrawal should take effect immediately.”
Having said that, Malaysia is still committed to the rule of law as it is in line with the new government’s policies. The letter sent to the United Nations announcing our withdrawal said that the government will take serious action against “perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression”.
You can read the entire statement below:
Confirmation from the UN on Malaysia's withdrawal from the Instrument of Accession to the Rome Statute – International Criminal Court.
Pengesahan PBB mengenai penarikan diri Malaysia dari Statut Rome – Mahkamah Jenayah Antarabangsa. https://t.co/5QkGDWGbFw pic.twitter.com/Xtja69q42m
— Wisma Putra (@MalaysiaMFA) May 16, 2019
Earlier this month, a rally was organised by a coalition of several Muslim groups to protest against Malaysia joining the Rome Statute because they were afraid that the treaty would jeopardise the position of our royalty and Islam. In April 2019, Malaysia withdrew from the international treaty due to “political confusion”, reported The Star.
Well, it looks like we are officially removed from the Rome Statute. What is your take on our withdrawal from the Rome Statute? Fire away in the comments below!
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