KOTA KINABALU: The United Nations (UN) should do away with the veto power of the Permanent Five (P5) countries in the UN Security Council (UNSC), says Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
The Parti Warisan president feels that with the veto power, justice would not be served as it should, just because one person says no.
Commenting on the recent detention of at least 12 Malaysian Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) volunteers, he hopes all those detained by Israeli forces who intercepted the flotilla early Thursday (Oct 2) would be released safely.
“These are people on a peace mission, on humanitarian work. We hope they will be safe and those who are going for such missions will be protected,” said Shafie.
He said back when he was the deputy defence minister, the Federal Government could mobilise and send in military troops to assist in the Bosnian war but now, because of the veto power, Malaysia can’t do so.
“Just because (US President) Donald Trump says so, we can’t go against him? That is not fair.
“The UN must be firm on this and do away with the veto power. There is no need for the countries to have veto power. The US does not need the veto power, China does not need it, Russia does not need it,” Shafie added.
The two other nations with veto power are France and the United Kingdom.
In conveying his sympathies and concern for those being detained, including two Sabahans Zizi Kirana and Sul Aidil - one from Semporna and one from Tawau, Shafie said prayers will be held for their safety and protection.
Those who have veto power in the UN have the power to reject a resolution or decision before the Security Council.
A negative vote from any one of the P5 can defeat a resolution.
