Malaysia Asked to Co-Chair ‘The Hague Group’ Alongside South Africa

NEW YORK, Sept 28 – Malaysia has been invited by several nations to serve as co-chair of The Hague Group alongside South Africa, aimed at coordinating international legal and diplomatic responses to violations of international law, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced.

Speaking at a press conference following Malaysia’s national statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, Mohamad noted that the request reflects global recognition of Malaysia’s firm and consistent advocacy on international stage.

“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,” Mohamad said, adding that the formal acceptance of the co-chairmanship remains subject to Cabinet approval and consultation with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Established on January 31, 2025, by a coalition of founding nations including Malaysia and South Africa, The Hague Group serves as a dedicated platform to coordinate legal and diplomatic action defending international law, international humanitarian law, and the rights of the Palestinian people.

Mohamad highlighted that Malaysia currently operates as a co-sponsor within the group.

“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 stated.

He further emphasized that multilateral coalitions like The Hague Group, alongside the Group of 77 (G77) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), allow middle-power nations like Malaysia to amplify their collective leverage and advocate effectively within the United Nations framework.

Mohamad concluded his mission leading the Malaysian delegation to UNGA 81 in New York, which took place from September 23 to 27.

–NMT