ArchiveS
Back
STATEMENT (MAIN COMMITTEE I) TENTH REVIEW CONFERENCE OF THE TREATY ON THE NON-PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS, 4 AUGUST 2022
STATEMENT BY
MR. AZRIL ABDUL AZIZ,
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
AT MAIN COMMITTEE I
OF THE
TENTH REVIEW CONFERENCE OF THE
TREATY ON THE NON-PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
NEW YORK, 4 AUGUST 2022
Mr. Chair,
My delegation congratulates you on your assumption as Chair of Main Committee 1 of the Tenth NPT Review Conference. I assure you of my delegation’s full support and cooperation.
2. Malaysia associates itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of NAM States Parties to the NPT. We wish to add the following points in our national capacity.
Mr. Chair,
3. Malaysia remains steadfast in its belief that the NPT is the cornerstone of the global regime for nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. This Treaty also play a fundamental part in the international architecture, for the maintenance of international peace and security. The prevalent geopolitical tensions, further reaffirms the critical role of this Treaty, and the need for all states to uphold and strengthen this Treaty.
4. In various meetings in the past, international community has repeatedly expressed their deep concern on the threat posed by the existence of nuclear weapons and the possibility of their catastrophic humanitarian consequences, including any intentional or accidental nuclear explosion. Malaysia remains convinced that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons. We believe as long as nuclear weapons exist, the risks of their use and proliferation also exist.
5. Malaysia is also of the view that extended deterrence and assurance guarantees by Nuclear Weapons States are against the letter and spirit of the NPT. We question the commitment of certain Non-Nuclear Weapon States that call for nuclear disarmament, while living under the protection of nuclear weapons under extended deterrence and assurance guarantees provided by Nuclear Weapon States.
Mr. Chair,
6. Nuclear disarmament remains our top priority. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the common goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. We are concerned with the lack of progress in nuclear disarmament. We believe that in order to make real progress on nuclear disarmament, it is important for the international community to consolidate its political will and establish concrete measures leading to a world free of nuclear weapons. The prolonged delay in nuclear disarmament progress if not urgently addressed, would only serve to undermine the integrity and credibility of the Treaty.
7. The Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons of 8 July 1996 is an important milestone in the global campaign for nuclear disarmament. The Advisory Opinion clearly stipulates that states have a legal obligation to pursue in good faith and bring to a conclusion, negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control. In arriving at this unanimous conclusion, the ICJ had clearly reaffirmed the obligation of all NPT states parties under Article 6 of the Treaty. The nuclear weapons states have a special responsibility to take the lead in this regard.
8. Ad interim we call on Nuclear Weapons States to increase transparency with regard to their nuclear weapons stockpile, including in the content of progress reports submitted.
Mr. Chair,
9. In our view, in order for the NPT to remain viable, we should not only reaffirm the past commitments of the 1995, 2000 and 2010 Review Conferences. We should also work together to identify additional areas and means for further progress under all pillars.
10. Malaysia welcomes the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on 22 January 2021. Malaysia is strongly convinced that the TPNW complements existing international legal instruments relating to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, particularly the NPT. It closes the legal gap and provides pathways of entry for all states, including Nuclear Weapons States.
11. Before I conclude Mr Chair, allow me to highlight that, on 31 July 2022, Malaysia and 14 other countries issued a Joint Statement in conjunction with the convening of the Tenth NPT Review Conference. In the Joint Statement, we reiterate the principles articulated in our Joint Communique to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the NPT in 2020. We believe elements contained in the Joint Communique are useful for consideration of this Committee. We remain committed and look forward to continue working with all NPT States Parties.
I thank you, Mr. Chair.