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STATEMENT BY

MR. AZRIL ABDUL AZIZ

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA

 

AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON OUTER SPACE

(DISARMAMENT ASPECTS)

FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 77^TH SESSION OF THE

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

NEW YORK, 26 OCTOBER 2022 

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

Malaysia associates itself with the statements of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

 

2.      Malaysia reaffirms the importance of the use of outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes, and the need to protect this domain in the common interest of mankind.  

 

3.      We recognize the contributions of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in promoting international cooperation on the peaceful use of outer space. These bodies have undertaken capacity building programmes with a particular focus on developing countries, as well as space education initiatives, and have also worked to enhance compatibility and interoperability among global and regional space-based positioning, navigation and timing systems.  

 

4.      Against the backdrop of a constantly shifting geopolitical and socio-economic landscape, it is imperative for the global community to continue promoting the peaceful uses of outer space. Malaysia believes in 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.

 

5.      Space based-assets play an important role in our daily lives. The international community has benefitted immensely from enhancements in the telecommunications and data connectivity that have shaped our global economy, made possible by space-based technology. As such, it is more vital than ever that we work to prevent the militarisation of outer space. Malaysia has been consistent in our call for the avoidance of behaviour that could be construed as threats in outer space.

 

6.      We remain concerned over the possible placement and use of weapons, and the use of space objects as weapons, in outer space. Such actions may lead to escalation of tensions and an arms race in outer space. Malaysia has consistently supported all resolutions tabled on the issue of PAROS, and we reiterate the need for increased confidence-building measures in outer space in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 75/69.

 

7.      Furthermore, it is important for States to build a common understanding of the principles of ‘threatening’ versus ‘non-threatening’ behaviour, in order to avoid miscalculations as well as escalation of tensions and conflict in outer space.

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

8.      We welcome the establishment of the open-ended working group on reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours pursuant to General Assembly resolution 76/231. Cognizant of the increase in number and variety of actors involved in issues related to outer space, as well as the development of related technologies, we support the mandate of the OEWG to develop rules, norms and principles of responsible behaviours that can contribute to a legally-binding instrument.

 

9.      Malaysia remains committed to ratifying and acceding to international treaties governing the use of outer space that uphold the legal principles adopted by the UN General Assembly in its resolution 1962 (XVIII) of 1963. In this regard, Malaysia has endorsed its 2030 National Space Policy, and recently gazetted the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 [Act 83] on 25 January 2022. This act will ensure that space activities in Malaysia are carried out responsibly, safely, securely and in compliance with international guidelines.

 

10.      We will continue to advocate for the sustainable use of science, technology, and outer space for peaceful purposes, for the benefit of human welfare, development and research. Malaysia looks forward to working together with all States in accomplishing these goals.

 

I thank you.