A voice for change: Malaysian takes on UN over veto, Islamophobia and Palestine

(Nabilah Salleh, senior editor of Bernama Foreign News Service, who covered the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York that concluded on Saturday, concludes the week-long assembly by emphasizing the strong stance of the Malaysia on the veto, Islamophobia and Palestine.)

NEW YORK: Malaysia’s presence at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this year was marked by a series of bold declarations, emphasizing justice for Palestine, UN reform and resolution of the crisis in Myanmar as the country prepares for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

In his speech during the UNGA general debate on Saturday, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan made a strong call for the full implementation of resolution ES-10/24, urging the Security Council of the United Nations (UNSC) to act decisively to end Israel’s illegal settlements. activities in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT).

Mohamad highlighted the global community’s overwhelming support for the resolution and stressed that it represents the international drive to achieve justice for the Palestinian people.

However, he also stressed that inaction by the UN Security Council, due largely to the veto power of some permanent members, continues to hamper progress.

“We demand that this Council supports the full implementation of the resolution,” Mohamad Hasan said, urging urgent action to resolve the long-standing conflict in Gaza and the wider occupied territories.

He further criticized the UN Security Council for failing to fulfill its role under the Charter, directly linking the continued violence in Gaza and Lebanon to the paralysis of the Council.

UN reform was another major focus of Malaysia’s message to the UNGA.

Mohamad called for urgent reforms to the United Nations Security Council’s veto power, which he said has long hampered global peace efforts.

“The veto must be limited. The world watches as the Security Council struggles to break an impasse, in which a single voice can override the majority and support the continued violation of international law,” he said. added, noting the growing frustration within the UN. on the Council’s failure to act decisively on critical issues, from Palestine to other global conflicts.

Beyond the Palestinian cause, Malaysia has also focused its attention on the crisis in Myanmar, where violence and humanitarian crises continue to ravage the junta-ruled country.

As Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN presidency in 2025, Mohamad reaffirmed the country’s commitment to resolving the Myanmar issue within the framework of Asean.

Mohamad highlighted the importance of the ASEAN TROIKA mechanism, made up of Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia, in working together to find a solution.

He also stressed that global cooperation, including support from major powers and international organizations like the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), is vital to resolving the crisis, which he described as a challenge. which extends beyond the borders of Myanmar.

“We cannot remain passive as Myanmar is also becoming a hotspot for drug trafficking, job scams and online gambling.

“These problems are no longer internal but have far-reaching consequences for the region,” he said, emphasizing the need for a collective ASEAN approach to the crisis.

If Malaysia’s national statements at the UNGA were important, Mohamad’s commitments on the sidelines of the global summit were equally important.

During his meeting with key diplomats and international stakeholders, the Foreign Minister discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and build global support for Malaysia’s positions on Palestine, Islamophobia and leadership of the ASEAN.

These side meetings, although often neglected, are crucial to strengthening Malaysia’s diplomatic influence and gaining support for its initiatives on the global stage.

Throughout the week, Mohamad held bilateral meetings with key world leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates. Business, Dr Badr Abdel Aati.

During his visit, Mohamad also spent time with the Malaysian diaspora, sharing his insights on Malaysia’s role on the world stage.

He left a heartfelt message to all Malaysians, encouraging them to act as “ambassadors” in showcasing Malaysia’s values ​​and building connections between the country and the world.

“You are Malaysia’s representatives abroad. Together, we can strengthen our nation’s presence on the international stage,” he urged them.

As the world grapples with growing geopolitical tensions, Malaysia’s leadership and calls for action at UNGA79 demonstrate the country’s proactive stance for justice, UN reform and regional stability.

With Malaysia’s ASEAN presidency on the horizon, Malaysia is poised to play an even greater role in global diplomacy, championing reforms that promote peace, security and cooperation in the international community. – Bernama