Russia Backs India’s Permanent UNSC Bid, Opposes Germany And Japan At UNGA

NEW YORK, Sept 27 — Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan of Malaysia has urged the United Nations to dismantle the Security Council's veto power, asserting that merely expanding the Council's membership is insufficient to rectify its shortcomings. He emphasized that the Security Council's excessive use of the veto must be questioned and vehemently challenged by all UN members, especially when it pertains to crimes against humanity.

"The use of the veto must be questioned and strongly challenged by every single member of this General Assembly. Particularly in cases of crimes against humanity," he stated during his national address at the 81st UN General Assembly on Saturday.

Mohamad highlighted that Resolution 76/262 had established a channel for accountability between the Security Council and the General Assembly. He urged the full utilization of this resolution as a foundation for enhancing accountability concerning the veto's use. He further stressed that the international community must initiate the reform process for the Security Council immediately, stressing that expanding the Council's composition alone would not suffice to resolve its failures.

The primary issue, according to Mohamad, is the veto, which must be challenged and, ultimately, abolished. He called for urgent action to avert the Security Council from becoming paralyzed, as such paralysis should not result in the United Nations losing its momentum. Mohamad also addressed the growing mistrust in the UN, asserting that trust can only be restored through tangible actions, such as upholding international law and ensuring that the global community feels their voices are heard.

As Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Mohamad attended the UN General Assembly's 81st session in New York from Sept 23 to 27.