Malaysia cautious over proposal to co-chair Hague Group, says Tok Mat
Foreign minister says accepting the role would raise questions about Malaysia's non-participation in international legal instruments, including the Rome Statute.
Malaysia is considering a proposal to co-chair The Hague Group alongside South Africa, but Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan cautioned that legal constraints and Malaysia's status as a non-party to relevant international conventions could complicate the decision. Recognizing Malaysia's active involvement in The Hague Group, which aims to exert international pressure on Israel regarding the Palestinian conflict, the minister emphasized that Malaysia must weigh the implications carefully.
As a non-party to the Rome Statute and other international conventions, the minister explained that Malaysia cannot assume the role of co-chair. For now, he suggested that Malaysia should continue functioning as a co-sponsor. Hasan highlighted that Malaysia joined South Africa as a co-sponsor at the recent United Nations General Assembly to intensify pressure on Israel and bring the issue before the UN Security Council.
He noted that international support for Palestine was growing, with approximately 160 countries backing Palestine's admission to the UN. The minister affirmed Malaysia's commitment to defending Palestinian rights and continued advocacy through various multilateral platforms. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been actively raising the Palestinian issue in discussions with world leaders and at international forums, including those organized by BRICS and APEC.
Malaysia's foreign ministry is also channeling contributions to Palestinians in need through trusted organizations such as the UNRWA and NGOs.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
