NEW YORK, Sept 28 – The escalating conflict in West Asia and potential disruptions to critical maritime trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz are no longer localized issues, as their global economic impacts directly affect everyday lives worldwide, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan warned.
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 emphasized that modern global interconnectedness means warfare cannot be geographically contained.
“In the past, the effects and suffering of war were felt by those directly involved, but now, because the world is interconnected, war is not only confined to the respective regions but its effects are also felt elsewhere,” Mohamad said. “The war, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the conflict in West Asia are also being felt by families in Southeast Asia through rising prices of goods, higher fuel prices, and various other impacts.”
Addressing the broader role of international governance, the Foreign Minister urged the United Nations (UN) to return to its foundational principles, cautioning that decades of relative distance from major global conflicts have caused the international community to forget the catastrophic suffering caused by war.
Mohamad highlighted a growing “trust deficit” in the UN, calling for fundamental structural reforms within the UN Security Council (UNSC)—particularly regarding the use of the veto power.
He stressed that veto powers should not be exercised arbitrarily, especially when decisions pertain to genocide, crimes against humanity, and severe violations of international law.
“Even when more than two-thirds of the votes at the United Nations approve a resolution, it still does not become a reality,” Mohamad stated, noting that stalled Security Council decisions undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the UN system.
Additionally, the Foreign Minister addressed emerging global threats, calling for clear international guidelines and regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent its weaponization in modern warfare.
“AI needs to be regulated. If it is not regulated, it will become another force capable of causing harm,” Mohamad warned.
–NMT
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