A VOICE FOR CHANGE: MALAYSIA CONFRONTS THE UN ON VETO, ISLAMOPHOBIA, AND PALESTINE

By Nabilah Saleh

(Bernama Foreign News Service Senior Writer Nabilah Salleh, who covered the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York that concluded on Saturday, wraps up the week long assembly highlighting Malaysia’s strong stance on veto power, Islamophobia, and Palestine.)

NEW YORK, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- 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 UN and addressing the crisis in Myanmar as the country prepares for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.

In his address at the UNGA General Debate on Saturday, Malaysia’s 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).

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

However, he also pointed out that UNSC’s inaction, largely due to the veto power of certain permanent members, continues to obstruct progress.

“We demand that this Council support the full implementation of the Resolution,” Mohamad Hasan said, pressing for urgent action to resolve the long-standing conflict in Gaza and the broader occupied territories.

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.

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

Mohamad called for urgent reforms to the UNSC’s veto power, which he argued has 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, noting 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.

Mohamad noted the importance of ASEAN’s TROIKA mechanism, comprising Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia, in working collectively to find a solution.

He also stressed that global cooperation, including support from major powers and international organisations like the UN and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), is vital in resolving the crisis, which he characterised as a challenge that extends beyond Myanmar’s borders.

“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 were important, Mohamad’s engagements on the sidelines of the global summit were 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.

These side meetings, while often overlooked, are crucial in bolstering Malaysia’s diplomatic influence and securing support for its initiatives on the global stage.

Throughout the week, Mohamad held bilateral meetings with key world leaders, including among others with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, United Arab Emirates (UAE) 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.

He left a heartfelt message for all Malaysians, encouraging them to act as "ambassadors" by showcasing Malaysia’s values and bridging connections between the country and the world.

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

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

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

-- BERNAMA