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STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO

THE UNITED NATIONS

 

 

AT THE GLOBAL ROUNDTABLE ON

ICT SECURITY CAPACITY BUILDING

(SIGNATURE PANEL)

 

NEW YORK, 9 MAY 2024

 

Mr. Chair,

 

At the outset, my delegation commends you on the convening of this Global Roundtable on ICT Security Capacity Building. This initiative provides a timely opportunity for States and relevant stakeholders to discuss the cross-cutting topic of capacity building, which is of central relevance to all pillars of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on ICT Security 2021-2025.  

 

2.         Given the increasing reliance of contemporary society on ICTs across a range of fields, cyber security measures are critical in safeguarding political, economic and social interests. The effectiveness of States’ response to, and recovery from, cyber security incidents is contingent on the preparedness of people, technology and processes in place. Against a backdrop of rapid technological advancement, States from different regions, and at varying levels of development, require particular capacities in the cyber security domain. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, sustained multilateral efforts on capacity building are imperative in promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment.

3.         Beyond the development of cyber skills and expertise, capacity building is also important in fostering a culture of cyber security awareness, or cyber hygiene, allowing societies to maximise the benefits of ICTs while mitigating associated risks. Depending on its existing capabilities, a State may need assistance in such areas as cyber security legislation, policy and governance; technical expertise; investment in people, technologies and infrastructure; risk assessment and management; and cyber incident response.

 

4.         As is often emphasised, capacity building must be tailored to the specific circumstances of a given State. At the national level, Malaysia has recently passed the Cyber Security Bill 2024, which provides for the establishment of a National Cyber Security Committee, as well as related measures to protect national critical information infrastructure. The Committee will play a key role in the formulation and implementation of cyber security policies and strategies. This will facilitate a clearer and more targeted approach to capacity building, further allowing us to identify gaps and overcome them.

 

5.         Regional perspectives may help inform and underpin capacity building priorities and initiatives, optimising the utility of limited resources. Under the ASEAN Cybersecurity Coordinating Committee, Malaysia is presently co-leading, together with Singapore, the development of the ASEAN Regional Action Plan (RAP) Matrix on the Implementation of Norms of Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace. The Regional Action Plan is envisaged as a mechanism to assist ASEAN Member States in identifying the capabilities required to implement each of the 11 UN norms in question, taking into account ASEAN Member States’ national needs.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

6.         Building on previous UN-led efforts, the current OEWG on ICT Security has proven itself a valuable platform in which Member States are collectively invested and have a sense of common ownership. To strengthen multilateral discourse and action on cyber security, the maintenance of a single-track process under UN auspices remains essential. Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to working with all delegations in the interest of maximising the utility of the OEWG, and in considering a future platform for regular institutional dialogue best suited to the demands of the international community.

 

Thank you.