Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hassan revealed Monday that ASEAN is formulating proposals to restructure the UN Security Council veto power, condemning what he called the "deliberate obstruction" of Gaza-related resolutions despite their overwhelming approval in the UN General Assembly.

Key Developments:

1️⃣ Veto Reform Proposal

• Targets the P5's (China, France, Russia, UK, US) unilateral veto power

• Comes after four blocked Gaza ceasefire resolutions at UNSC since October 2023

• Hassan: "The veto now overrides even unanimously adopted UNGA resolutions, undermining international justice – this is what ASEAN seeks to reform"

2️⃣ Malaysia's Diplomatic Achievements

• Successfully brokered first-ever ASEAN-GCC joint statement on Gaza

• Hosted trilateral conference with Japan/South Korea on Palestinian suffering

• Leading coalition-building among like-minded states ahead of Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN chairmanship

3️⃣ ASEAN's Historic Shift

• Marks the bloc's first collective move on UNSC reform in 56 years

• All 10 members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) now backing Palestinian cause

Proposed Veto Changes:

Context:

• Malaysia assumes ASEAN chairmanship January 2025 under rotational system

• Builds on 2022 Veto Initiative (UNGA Resolution 76/262)

• 89% of UN members support veto reform (2023 UN survey)

Next Steps:

• Formal proposal submission before September 2024 UN Summit

• Seeking endorsements from L69 Group and Arab League