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STATEMENT : 2023 SUBSTANTIVE SESSION OF THE UN DISARMAMENT COMMISSION (PLENARY-EXCHANGE OF VIEWS), 3 APRIL 2023
STATEMENT BY
H.E. MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE SUBSTANTIVE SESSION OF THE UN DISARMAMENT COMMISSION
(PLENARY – EXCHANGE OF VIEWS)
3 APRIL 2023
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN, and by Indonesia on behalf of NAM.
2. As a multilateral deliberative body under the General Assembly, the UNDC remains an important component of the global disarmament machinery, particularly against a backdrop of increased international tensions.
3. I assure you and members of the Bureau of my delegation’s full support as we work towards substantive recommendations during this final session of the present three-year cycle.
Mr. Chair,
Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
4. The very existence of any type of weapon of mass destruction (WMD) is abhorrent and poses unacceptable risks to humanity. Nuclear weapons have cast a blight on our planet, and their total elimination is all the more pressing in times of heightened nuclear threats and rhetoric. Nothing less than general and complete disarmament will safeguard all peoples against the catastrophic humanitarian consequences which would result from any use of a nuclear weapon, whether intentionally or by accident.
5. Malaysia remains deeply concerned that the qualitative improvement of, and quantitative increase in, nuclear weapons continues unabated even as the world grapples with pressing socio-economic challenges. The persistence of nuclear weapons in the military and security concepts, doctrines and policies of a select group of States imperils the future of all.
6. The consecutive failure of the Ninth and Tenth NPT Review Conferences to achieve a substantive outcome is without precedent since the Treaty’s indefinite extension in 1995. The NPT is arguably in a state of crisis, and its credibility and integrity cannot be taken for granted. Efforts must be intensified to ensure the full and effective implementation of all obligations and commitments, particularly those relating to nuclear disarmament. Though not adopted, the draft outcome document of the Tenth NPT Review Conference could provide a good basis for further deliberations among States Parties.
Mr. Chair,
7. Malaysia recognises the TPNW as a landmark instrument in our collective efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons, and we look forward to its Second Meeting of States Parties (2MSP) later this year. Malaysia is proud to serve, together with South Africa, as Co-Chair of the informal working group on universalisation of the TPNW, which continues to grow in strength. This treaty is fully compatible with and complementary to the NPT and other elements of the global disarmament architecture.
8. Given renewed uncertainty in the international security situation, the role of nuclear-weapon-free zones cannot be overstated. In our own region, Malaysia underlines the urgency of resolving all outstanding issues pertaining to the signing and ratifying of the SEANWFZ Protocol by the nuclear-weapon States at the earliest, in line with the aspirations of the ASEAN Leaders. This is imperative in preserving Southeast Asia as a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality.
9. We also urge the remaining Annex 2 States to sign and ratify the CTBT as soon as possible to allow for the Treaty’s entry into force.
10. Malaysia is gravely concerned over on-going developments in the Korean Peninsula. We condemn the significant increase in the DPRK’s missile launch activities since 2022, including launches of ballistic missiles of intercontinental range in recent months. Malaysia urges the DPRK to immediately cease its nuclear-weapon and ballistic missile programmes. The resumption of dialogue among concerned parties to achieve the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula remains critical.
11. Further, Malaysia reaffirms its support for the restoration and continued implementation of the JCPOA, and we call on the relevant parties to move forward with strong political will and diplomacy.
Mr. Chair,
Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space
12. Malaysia reaffirms the importance of the use of outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes. It is vital that we prevent the militarisation of outer space, and avoid behaviour that could be construed as threats in outer space.
13. We remain concerned over the possible placement and use of weapons, as well as the use of space objects as weapons, in outer space. Such actions could lead to escalation of tensions and an arms race in this domain.
14. Malaysia emphasises the need for secure access to space which is one of the important aspects of space security and a precursor to the sustainability of future space activities for the benefit of mankind.
15. Furthermore, Malaysia wishes to reiterate the need for greater transparency and exchange of information among all actors in the outer space context, with due regard to the legitimate safety and security interests of all States.
16. We will continue to seek opportunities to collaborate with other members of the global community, within the international legal framework, in the peaceful use of outer space.
17. In closing, Malaysia looks forward to the successful conduct of the present session of the UNDC. Let us work together to ensure this Commission fulfils its goals as envisaged by the First Special Session of the UN General Assembly devoted to Disarmament (SSOD-I) of 1978.
I thank you.