STATEMENT BY

REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA

 

AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON DISARMAMENT MACHINERY

FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 77^TH SESSION OF

THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

NEW YORK, 27 OCTOBER 2022 

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

 

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

 

 

2.      While the global disarmament and non-proliferation architecture has played a crucial role in safeguarding the world from the horrors of WMD, its continued integrity and credibility cannot be taken for granted. In times of heightened tension, the disarmament machinery must continue to function effectively. This is vital in ensuring the full implementation of obligations and commitments pursuant to existing treaties, as well as the negotiation of new instruments, as we work tirelessly to achieve general and complete disarmament. In the wake of the consecutive failure of two NPT Review Conferences, we must intensify our efforts to address common challenges together.   

 

3.      The First Committee of the General Assembly embodies the longstanding endevaours of the UN membership to address salient issues in the field of disarmament and international security. It is a universal platform in which all Member States have a say, as draft resolutions are generally considered and adopted with a view to reaffirming key principles and making progress in various areas. Malaysia welcomes the resumption of in-person deliberations of the Committee following the hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We underline the need to move forward in the spirit of mutual respect, through dialogue and diplomacy, in the interest of peace, security and sustainable development for all.       

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

 

4.      To realise the role of the Conference of Disarmament (CD) as the sole multilateral negotiating body on disarmament-related treaties, it is imperative for this body to overcome the prolonged impasse vis-à-vis its programme of work. Failure to do so will only have adverse effects on the credibility of the Conference, amidst a range of emerging challenges in the disarmament arena. 

 

 

5.      Amidst the institutional deadlock afflicting the CD, is nonetheless heartening that a landmark instrument, the TPNW, was successfully negotiated under a UN Conference in 2017. The entry into force of this Treaty in 2021, and the convening of its first Meeting of States Parties earlier this year, demonstrate that progress in disarmament is indeed possible when there is sustained political will.   

 

 

6.      My delegation further reaffirms the importance of the United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC) as the sole specialised and deliberative body within the multilateral disarmament machinery, tasked with considering various disarmament issues and submitting concrete recommendations to the General Assembly. We welcome the convening of the substantive session of the UNDC in April 2022 following successive postponements in recent years. The session witnessed timely discussions on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation as well as the prevention of an arms race in outer space. 

7.      Malaysia also reiterates its strong support for the work of the United Nations Regional Centres for Peace and Disarmament, including in our own region, the Asia-Pacific. These Centres are vital in promoting disarmament and non-proliferation objectives in the interest of maintaining peace and security and the national, sub-regional and regional levels. 

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

 

8.      Prevailing strains on the disarmament machinery must be acknowledged and addressed expeditiously. In order for the global disarmament architecture to survive, recover, and thrive, we, as Member States, must safeguard and enhance the machinery that permits it to function.

 

 

I thank you.