Malaysia Urges Action on Palestine, Challenges UN Veto at General Assembly

Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan urged stronger international action on the Palestinian issue and challenged the use of the veto power at the United Nations Security Council, in an address to the UN General Assembly.

Hasan also warned that tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are affecting families well beyond the Middle East, pointing to the broader economic and security ripple effects of instability in the region given its importance to global energy shipping routes.

In addition to these security concerns, the foreign minister called for the Global South to be given a greater voice in the governance of artificial intelligence, reflecting growing calls from developing nations for more inclusive international decision-making as AI technology reshapes economies and societies worldwide.

Malaysia's remarks position it among a group of countries using the General Assembly's general debate to push for reforms to existing international structures, including the Security Council's veto system, which critics argue can obstruct action on humanitarian and security crises.

The address adds to Malaysia's ongoing diplomatic engagement on Palestinian rights issues and its broader advocacy for developing nations to have a stronger role in shaping global governance frameworks.