Malaysia ‘muak’ kuasa veto halang tindakan ke atas Gaza, ulangi gesaan mansuh

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) continues to face obstacles in taking action against the Gaza situation, with the United States repeatedly using its veto power to block numerous ceasefire resolutions, despite widespread support from other member states. Malaysia has reiterated its frustration with the excessive use of the veto power, as it often hinders efforts to take action on the Gaza issue.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan expressed Malaysia's and other member states' efforts to advocate for justice for Gaza, including an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, punitive measures against Israel, and full Palestinian membership in the UN. However, the collective will of the council is repeatedly thwarted by the veto power.

Malaysia strongly believes that the critical need for reform within the UNSC lies in questioning and challenging the use of the veto power by each member state, particularly in cases involving crimes against humanity. The 2022 Resolution 76/262 established a channel for accountability between the UNSC and UNGA, and Malaysia insists on fully utilizing this resolution as a foundation for greater accountability regarding the veto power's use.

Simply expanding the UNSC's membership is not enough to address its weaknesses; the veto power itself must be challenged and abolished. Malaysia urges this effort now, as it has previously called for the revocation of the veto power, alongside supporting restrictions on its use in cases of serious international law violations, if a full revocation cannot be achieved.

At the same time, Malaysia supports efforts to expand the membership of the UNSC, both permanent and non-permanent, to make the body more inclusive and representative of diverse interests. The UNSC often stands divided in its attempts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, with the US using its veto to block several resolutions, even with support from 14 other members.

Washington again employed its veto on a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and remaining in Gaza in June 2025, despite opposition from 14 other members. Washington once again used its veto against a Gaza ceasefire resolution in September of the previous year. Speaking at the session's conclusion, Mohamad emphasized that the UN must undergo reform to better reflect current reality and ensure that global rules are applied fairly to all parties.

Malaysia remains committed to the principle of multilateralism, especially when alternatives are a world dominated solely by one powerful nation. Malaysia will not abandon the UN in times of difficulty, nor will it give up on multilateralism simply because it is imperfect. Instead, Malaysia strives to make it worthy of trust.