M'sia joins 'walkout' against Israel PM at UN assembly

The Malaysian delegation at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York, USA, joined countries in a walkout protest ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said the walkout involved countries supporting the Palestinian resolution based on decisions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the UN Security Council, according to the News Straits Times.

“As we could see, when Netanyahu entered the hall to begin his speech, everyone stood up and left.

“We, the Malaysian delegation, also left the hall,” said Mohamad as quoted by NST.

“The countries that supported the decision or the ‘advisory opinion’ from the ICJ all left the hall. The hall was empty.

“However, as usual, Netanyahu arrogantly and proudly belittled the role of the UN and its agencies, as if to say that the UN plays no role,” Mohamad said.

Meanwhile, Indonesian news agency Antara reported that Indonesia’s delegation led by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi also joined Malaysia and other countries including Kuwait, Iran, Pakistan, and Cuba - representing members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab League, and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

The delegates left their seats as Netanyahu approached the podium to address the UN assembly on Sept 27 local time.

The atmosphere became boisterous as the delegates vacated their seats, prompting assembly president Philemon Yang to appeal for order, according to the report.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah 'liquidated', Israel claims

M'sians strongly advised to leave Lebanon immediately

UN warns of 'imminent catastrophe' in Middle East

Deaths surpass 500 in conflict with Israel: Hezbollah