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STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO

THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE SUBSTANTIVE SESSION OF THE

UN DISARMAMENT COMMISSION

(PLENARY - EXCHANGE OF VIEWS)

NEW YORK, 1 APRIL 2024

______________________________________________________________________

Mr. Chair,

Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Lao PDR on behalf of ASEAN, and by Indonesia on behalf of NAM.

May I congratulate you on your appointment, and assure you and the Bureau of Malaysia’s full support.

We are pleased that the UN Disarmament Commission (UNDC) is now commencing a new three-year cycle, given the role of this deliberative body in the multilateral disarmament machinery. At a time of heightened global tension, it is vital that the UNDC continues to facilitate the consideration of key disarmament issues, and the issuance of recommendations to the General Assembly.

Mr. Chair,

Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

As regards Working Group I of the UNDC, sustained dialogue on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation remains imperative. Malaysia reaffirms that the only effective guarantee against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is their total elimination. The world cannot continue to live precariously in the long shadow cast by the very existence of such abhorrent instruments of war and destruction.

It is deeply regrettable that a select group of States maintains nuclear arsenals for purposes of “deterrence”, entailing unacceptable risks for humanity and the planet. These risks are thrown into sharp relief against a backdrop of rising nuclear threats. As the Secretary-General recently reminded us, today, nuclear weapons “are growing in power, range and stealth”, and “an accidental launch is one mistake, one miscalculation, one rash act away”.

We must collectively uphold the credibility and integrity of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture, at the heart of which lies the NPT. Following two successive review cycles without a substantive outcome, sustained effort is needed to overcome the prevailing trust deficit, as well as to ensure the full and effective implementation of all NPT obligations and commitments. Malaysia looks forward to working with NPT States Parties towards a meaningful outcome at the 11^th Review Conference, including through the Second Session of the Preparatory Committee later this year.

As a State Party to the TPNW, Malaysia will maintain its engagement in the Treaty’s inter-sessional process, including as Co-Chair, with New Zealand, of the informal working group on Article 4. We reiterate that the TPNW is fully compatible with and complementary to the NPT and other elements of the global nuclear disarmament regime.

Nuclear-weapon-free zones, including that established by the SEANWFZ or Bangkok Treaty, also retain a significant role as we strive to realise a world without nuclear weapons.

Further, the international community should guard against any risk of resumption of nuclear testing, which has caused immense suffering and environmental damage around the world. The entry into force of the CTBT must be a priority, and we urge the remaining Annex II States to sign and ratify the Treaty without delay.

Mr. Chair,

Common understandings related to emerging technologies in the context of international security

Under Working Group II, my delegation looks forward to discussions on common understandings related to emerging technologies in the context of international security. We note that the Working Group is expected to assess both the benefits and risks of emerging technologies in this regard. Here, it is important for us to avoid duplication of discussions under other relevant platforms.

As the present session takes place over the next three weeks, rest assured of Malaysia’s firm commitment to the UNDC, in line with the aspirations set out in the First Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to Disarmament (SSOD-I) nearly five decades ago.

Thank you.

4/1/24

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