Foreign minister says Malaysia sought for Hague Group role due to firm legal stance

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81). — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 28 Sep 2026 10:39 AM MYT

Last Modified: Monday, 28 Sep 2026 11:01 AM MYT

NEW YORK, Sept 28 — Malaysia has been asked by several countries to take on the role of co-chair of The Hague Group alongside South Africa to express positions and coordinate action on violations of international law, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said the request was made because of Malaysia’s strong stance on violations of international law and international humanitarian law across various international platforms.

“Many countries want us to be co-chair, to jointly manage it with South Africa, because of Malaysia’s firm stance on every international platform or stage,” he said at a press conference after delivering Malaysia’s national statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) here on Saturday.

However, he said the matter still required Cabinet approval, particularly from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Hague Group was established on Jan 31, 2025, by several countries, including Malaysia and South Africa, as a platform to take coordinated legal and diplomatic action in defending international law and in relation to the Palestinian issue.

Mohamad said Malaysia is serving as a co-sponsor of The Hague Group this time.

“The Hague Group was established solely to reflect and voice the views of countries that share our position on aggression and violations of international law, as well as violations of international humanitarian law,” he said.

He said participation in such a group would enable Malaysia to strengthen its voice at the international level through cooperation with countries that share similar positions.

He said Malaysia also uses other platforms, such as the G77 and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to coordinate common positions and action.

Mohamad was in New York from Sept 23 to 27 to lead the Malaysian delegation to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). — Bernama