Mohamad Hasan calls for accountability in international law

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has called for the strict enforcement of international law, stating that legal frameworks should not be treated as a ‘menu option’ used only when convenient. Speaking at the UN headquarters in New York during an extraordinary meeting of The Hague Group, Mohamad emphasized that for the international justice system to remain relevant, a culture of impunity must be replaced by accountability.

He argued that upholding international law is not about choosing sides, but about defending a rules-based order where no nation is above the law and human rights are not subject to political interests. Mohamad highlighted the situation in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories as a critical test of this system, noting that despite binding court decisions and UN resolutions, violations continue without punishment.

Mohamad advocated for the strengthening of multilateral systems, specifically the United Nations, to prevent political deadlock from weakening global structures. He reiterated support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.