PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has expressed concern and disappointment by the veto action to block Palestine's entry as a full member of the United Nations (UN).
The Foreign Ministry in a statement today said that the implementation of the veto raised questions about the Security Council's true desire to realise the rights of the Palestinian people.
It said that these rights included determining their own destiny following Israel's illegal occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem since 1967.
"Malaysia is concerned and deeply disappointed following the use of a veto in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to block Palestine's entry as a Full Member of the UN on April 18, despite support from the majority of UN member states.
"The vetoing of this important and significant matter raises questions about the Security Council's true desire to realise the rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination due to Israel's illegal occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem since 1967."
Malaysia remains committed to the struggle of the Palestinian people and will continue efforts towards establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
"Malaysia urges the international community, including the UN Security Council, to continue efforts towards full Palestinian membership in the UN."
Earlier, the United States prevented the UN from recognising Palestine as a state by using its veto power to deny full membership.
The US reportedly said that an independent Palestinian state should be established through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, not through UN action.
The US used its veto on the draft resolution to admit Palestine as a full member of the UN.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (Centhra) described the US veto action as not only a diplomatic failure but also a profound betrayal of core principles of justice and equality.
Centhra said the veto not only signified a setback for US diplomacy but also worsened global isolation.
"Behind widespread international condemnation and repeated calls for justice, the Palestinian people's struggle for self-determination and human rights continues to be ignored by powerful states, especially the US.
"Rather than advocating for justice and equality, the US has prioritised political interests over principles of justice and decency."
Centhra also said that US action to block the resolution to recognise Palestine as a full UN member maintained injustice and undermined the credibility of the UN.
"It sends a dangerous message that powerful states can act with impunity, disregarding the rights and dignity of marginalised communities.
"In the face of such egregious injustice, the global community must speak out and demand accountability.
"Principles of justice, equality, and human rights must be prioritised, regardless of political considerations. The US veto on Palestine surpasses diplomatic barriers; it represents a moral failure that requires a united response from all who uphold the dignity and values inherent in every human being."
As a supporter of human rights and social justice, Centhra has called on all countries to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and support efforts to hold Israel accountable for its actions.