Malaysia invited to co-chair The Hague Group

NEW YORK: Malaysia has been invited to co-chair The Hague Group following the country's firm and consistent stance in advocating compliance with international law and addressing humanitarian issues on various global platforms.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said several nations which were members of the group had voiced their desire for Malaysia to be co-chair with South Africa.

"(They) wants us as co-chair, but I have yet to ask the consent of the cabinet, especially the prime minister.

"Many countries want us as co-chair along with South Africa," he told reporters at the end of his working visit to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) here.

The Hague Group is an international coalition of states formed on Jan 31 last year in The Hague, the Netherlands, to coordinate legal and diplomatic action in support of Palestinian rights and accountability for violations of international law.

Mohamad said Malaysia was a joint sponsor of The Hague Group at this year's UNGA.

He said Malaysia also utilises various other platforms, such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Group of 77 (G77), to discuss specific issues and coordinate follow-up actions.

"Each group has its own specific focus. Some are established specifically to examine and coordinate issues, convey joint decisions to the UN, and ensure that follow-up actions are carried out," he said.

Mohamad said, as a small country, Malaysia needs to work through multilateral cooperation to ensure that its voice is heard more strongly at the international level.

"If Malaysia were to act alone, our voice might not be as strong. That is why we join groups of countries that share similar positions, in order to strengthen our collective voice," he said.

He said the recognition given to Malaysia to lead The Hague Group reflects the international community's respect for the country's vocal stance in upholding international law and human rights.

That position has also been reinforced through various statements and speeches by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who has consistently raised issues concerning violations of international law and human rights on the global stage.

Mohamad said Malaysia would continue to utilise platforms such as the OIC, G77 and other like-minded groups to advocate for issues related to peace, justice and compliance with international law.