KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has demanded a limit to the veto powers of the United Nations' Security Council (UNSC) permanent members, especially on issues relating to genocide and war crimes in Palestine, the Dewan Rakyat heard today (Mar 25).

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said this was raised by Malaysia's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) in attempts to restrain countries from supporting Israel's atrocities in Gaza.

"The UNSC held an emergency session for the ninth time this year (to discuss the crisis), but once again failed to reach a consensus because everyone has their own agenda.

"Our permanent representative to the UN had urged for the veto rights of permanent UN members to be revoked, and while we wait for that to happen, Malaysia has suggested for their veto rights to be limited and cannot be used when it comes to genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes.

"Yes, to revoke the veto powers is hard, but we are asking for it to be limited.

"We know that Israel will turn a blind eye and not care about any decision or resolution, so we want to limit (the powers) of nations that support them."

He said this in Parliament in response to a supplementary question from Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Pakatan Harapan-Ledang).

Syed Ibrahim had asked Mohamad to explain if Malaysia would be able to lead other countries to urge a ceasefire and also allow humanitarian aid to enter Palestine.

Earlier, Mohamad said Malaysia continued to use various platforms to strongly oppose the atrocities by Israel, including through diplomatic relations.

"Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim voiced Malaysia's firm stance in Australia and in Germany, that we condemn and denounce the cruel acts, mass murder and genocide against the Palestinian people.

"We also urge an immediate and permanent ceasefire to be implemented," he added.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1030237/malaysia-has-demanded-limit-un-veto-says-mohamad