The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Datuk Seri Azalina, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Legal and Institutional Reform), will deliver a statement at the public hearing on Israel's obligations in the occupied Palestinian territories at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, at 11 p.m. Malaysian time on Monday (28th).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement that Azalina will lead the Malaysian delegation to attend the hearing held from April 28 to May 2, accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Legal Affairs, the Attorney General’s Department, and the Malaysian Embassy in The Hague.
“This is Malaysia's third participation in the advisory opinion process of the International Court of Justice concerning the Palestinian issue, with previous participations in 2004 and 2024.”
“The hearing aims to provide advisory opinions on Israel's presence and actions in the relevant areas, as well as the legal responsibilities impacting the United Nations, international organizations, and third countries.”
“Malaysia's participation highlights its firm commitment to upholding international law and defending the rights of the Palestinian people.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Malaysia adheres to a principled position, continually advocating for an independent sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, reflecting respect for justice, peace, and international law.
This advisory opinion process was established by the UN General Assembly Resolution 79/232, passed on December 19, 2024.
Malaysia not only co-submitted and voted in support of the resolution but is also a core member of the sponsoring group of this resolution. Malaysia will join 39 other countries and 4 international organizations in participating in this hearing.
On February 28, Malaysia submitted a written statement to the International Court of Justice, continuing to defend Palestinian rights and emphasized the need to hold Israel accountable for openly violating international law and infringing on the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
In light of the ongoing offensives against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, Malaysia will further strengthen its related arguments at the hearing.