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STATEMENT (1C) : THEMATIC DEBATE ON OTHER DISARMAMENT MEASURES, 24 OCTOBER 2022
STATEMENT BY
H.E. MR. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO
THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON OTHER DISARMAMENT MEASURES
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 24 OCTOBER 2022
Mr. Chairman,
Malaysia associates itself with the statement delivered by the Republic of Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the statement delivered by the Philippines on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
2. Rapid developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs) have undoubtedly resulted in invaluable opportunities for peoples across the world, promoting socio-economic growth as well as cross-border interactions in various fields.
3. ICT platforms played a key role in facilitating the continued operation of public and private entities at the national, regional and international levels throughout the COVID-19 pandemic period, thus mitigating the immense disruption caused to global society. Our contemporary reliance on ICT, which is unparalleled in human history, is a stark reminder of the nature of the attendant challenges and the importance of collective action to address them.
4. As we tackle the multi-faceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must ensure the optimal use of scarce resources in the domain of ICT security. Particular attention should be paid to the needs of developing countries, both in terms of the implementation of existing rules, norms and principles, and in global discourse concerning their further development.
5. The increasing complexity and sophistication of emerging threats in cyberspace provide cause for concern. We must remain vigilant against any malicious use of ICTs, particularly against critical infrastructure and essential services. Continued dialogue and action through multilateral platforms are essential if we are to bridge developmental divides and take full advantage of ICTs. In this regard, Malaysia underscores the central role of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on the security of and in the use of ICTs 2021-2025, and welcomes the adoption of its 2022 annual progress report.
6. As a universal platform, the OEWG provides a forum for all Member States to, inter alia, further develop the rules, norms and principles of responsible behaviour of States, as well as their means of implementation. The OEWG also affords Member States an avenue for sustained engagement with stakeholders which are integral players in the development, functioning and security of ICT platforms.
Mr. Chairman,
7. Last year, Malaysia was pleased to co-sponsor General Assembly resolution 76/19, which, inter alia, underlined Member States’ support for the current OEWG and its mandate. The adoption of this resolution without a vote was a welcome development, signifying common commitment by the UN membership in addressing ICT issues under a single platform, after several years of fractious argument over different mechanisms.
8. In the present session of the First Committee, we have unfortunately witnessed recriminations by different delegations over the underlying intention and substantive merit of proposals put forward by others. This is a pattern with which we are regrettably familiar.
9. Malaysia fervently hopes that the concerned parties will make every effort to engage constructively with each other, and to prevent the unravelling of hard-won consensus which, however fragile, has helped advance the work of the OEWG. It is evident that all parties recognise the value of the OEWG, and the imperative of preserving its integrity and credibility.
10. Malaysia, like many others, firmly believes that the OEWG is the body best suited to addressing the challenges at hand in the field of ICT security. We will continue to participate actively in meetings of the OEWG, which is itself a critical confidence-building measure that must be allowed to realise its full potential in accordance with its mandate.
I thank you.