No more veto power? No way!

Malaysia's foreign minister has argued that the international community should challenge and potentially abolish the veto power in the UN Security Council. He believes that simply expanding the council will not resolve its inherent inequalities. However, completely abolishing the veto is practically impossible under the current system, as all five permanent members possess the power and have strong interests in maintaining it.

Changing the UN Charter requires unanimous approval from all member states, including these permanent members, making it highly unlikely. While strengthening mechanisms that scrutinize the use of the veto when exercised during crises is important, ultimately, the veto's political costs should increase. This includes requiring permanent members to justify their use publicly.

The General Assembly should also become more assertive during Security Council paralysis. Middle powers like Malaysia should focus on expressing opposition to the system without end, as it will weaken over time due to growing global inequalities. While the veto protects national interests, its excessive reliance can erode the institution itself.

The international community must question whether the veto's privileges should remain permanent, even if removing them is currently improbable.