Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today said Malaysia can help contribute to regional stability if it wins a seat as a non-permanent member on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) next year.

He said likewise, the good cooperation between nations in the region following the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 incident had also contributed to regional stability.

“The close cooperation garnered from this incident, I am sure, will contribute to the overall stability of the region in future particularly so if our bid to be a non-permanent member in the United Nations Security Council is endorsed,” he said in a speech during the closing of the Putrajaya Forum 2014.

It was announced last year that Malaysia is Asean’s candidate for the non-permanent member of the UNSC with the theme ‘Peace and Security through Moderation’.

Muhyiddin said Malaysia’s position in the UNSC will also help the progress of Asean.

“This augurs well for Asean and countries of the region as I am sure we will be able to speak and give our views by taking into account the importance of diplomacy and moderation in all aspects of international relations,” he said.

Muhyiddin also noted the ongoing South China Sea disputes and urged stronger engagement in the region.

“The South China Sea disputes and the intercession of ‘outside’ interests makes maintaining the security and stability of the region more complex.

“These possible causes of conflicts require more than the diplomatic efforts of our governments.

“Sincere efforts to defuse tensions may now require a multitude of engagements as well as deft negotiation processes by the leaders of all the nations involved,” he said.