NEW YORK: Malaysia has made a strong appeal to limit the use of veto power in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stressing that the unchecked use of veto has obstructed peace efforts, particularly in the case of Palestine.
Taking the floor at the UNSC debate on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the veto should not be used to block resolutions aimed at upholding international law and protecting innocent civilians.
“Everywhere, the same question echoes: Is the UN too broken to be fixed? The answer is ‘No’, as there is indeed a way, and only one way, to fix the UN.
“The veto must be limited,” said Mohamad, representing Malaysia at the debate themed “Leadership for Peace: United in Respect of the UN Charter, In Search of a Secure Future”.
Also present during the debate was Slovenia’s representative to the Security Council, Samuel Zbogar, who is also serving as UNSC president for September.
Mohamad urged the council to fully support the implementation of Resolution ES-10/24, which was adopted by the General Assembly on Sept 18 with overwhelming backing.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution demanding that Israel put an end to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories within 12 months, a resolution in alignment with the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion.
With 124 states in favour, the vote reflects strong international support for justice and human rights.
However, 14 states opposed the resolution, while 43 abstained, according to the world body on its official website.
Separately, Mohamad said collective efforts through an Asean approach are crucial in addressing the Myanmar issue, particularly concerning the humanitarian crisis and the oppression of Muslims including the Rohingya ethnic group in the country.
He said that as the upcoming chair of Asean, the Troika mechanism will continue to be strengthened with necessary actions based on the Asean Five-Point Consensus.
“At the same time, we strongly welcome assistance and support from major powers, influential blocs and international organisations such as the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
“This is because the Myanmar issue is not an easy one. It has become a cross-border threat, including drug production (as per the latest report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, regarding Myanmar’s position as the world’s largest drug producer), job scams, online gambling and various other criminal issues,” he said.
Mohamad, reported Bernama, was speaking to the media after an exchange of notes ceremony at Malaysia’s Permanent Mission to the UN on Wednesday, which was also attended by his counterpart from Andorra, Imma Tor Faus.
He was asked to comment on his meeting with the representatives of the OIC Contact Group on Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UNGA here.
Currently, Malaysia, Laos and Indonesia are continuing the Troika mechanism in efforts to restore democracy in Myanmar.
The Troika is generally a concept of rotating chairmanship to ensure continuity of the issues discussed.
