NEW YORK: Malaysia’s presence at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this year has been marked by a series of bold statements, with a focus on justice for Palestine, reforming the world body and addressing the crisis in Myanmar.
In his address at the UNGA general debate on Saturday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan made a strong appeal for the full implementation of Resolution ES-10/24, urging the UN Security Council (UNSC) to act decisively to halt Israel’s illegal settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
He underscored the global community’s overwhelming support for the resolution, saying it represents the international will to achieve justice for the Palestinian people.
Lamenting the UNSC’s inaction on the issue, he said this is largely due to the veto power of certain permanent members.
“We demand that the Council supports the full implementation of the Resolution,” he said, pressing for urgent action to resolve the long-standing conflict in Gaza and the broader occupied territories, Bernama reported.
He further criticised the UNSC for failing to live up to its charter-mandated role, linking the continued violence in Gaza and Lebanon directly to the Council’s paralysis.
Mohamad also called for urgent reforms to the UNSC’s veto power, which he argued had long hindered global peace efforts.
“The veto must be limited. The world is watching as the Security Council struggles to free itself from a deadlock, in which one voice can overrule the majority and support the continued violation of international law,” he added.
He said there is growing frustration within the UN over the Council’s inability to act decisively on critical issues, from Palestine to other global conflicts.
Beyond the Palestinian cause, Malaysia also turned its attention to the crisis in Myanmar, where ongoing violence and humanitarian crises continue to plague the junta-ruled country.
As Malaysia prepares to assume the Asean chairmanship in 2025, Mohamad reaffirmed the country’s commitment to addressing the Myanmar issue through the Asean framework.
He also noted the importance of Asean’s Troika mechanism comprising Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia, in working collectively to find a solution.
He also spoke on global cooperation, including support from major powers and other international organisations like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to help resolve the Myanmar crisis.
“We cannot remain passive as Myanmar is also becoming a hotspot for drug trafficking, job scams and online gambling. These issues are no longer internal but have far-reaching consequences for the region,” he said, underscoring the need for a collective Asean approach to the crisis.
While Malaysia’s national statements at the UNGA are important, Mohamad’s engagements on the sidelines of the global summit are equally significant.
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 Asean leadership.
Throughout the week, he held bilateral meetings with key world leaders, including UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Dr Badr Abdel Aati.
During his visit, Mohamad also spent time with the Malaysian diaspora, sharing insights about Malaysia’s role on the global stage.
