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STATEMENT BY MALAYSIA

 

AT THE SUBSTANTIVE SESSION OF THE

UN DISARMAMENT COMMISSION

(PLENARY - EXCHANGE OF VIEWS)

 

NEW YORK, 7 APRIL 2025

______________________________________________________________________

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by NAM and by ASEAN.

 

2. At the outset, my delegation congratulates you and members of the Bureau on your appointment, and extends our full support for your efforts.     

 

3. In an environment of heightened geopolitical tension and strains on the multilateral architecture, the UN Disarmament Commission (UNDC) retains an important function as part of the global disarmament machinery. It affords us an avenue for in-depth deliberations among the UN membership on critical issues, both long-standing and emerging, with a view to issuing recommendations to the General Assembly in this field.   

 

Mr. Chair,

 

Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

 

4. The imperative of tangible progress on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation - the focus of Working Group I - cannot be overstated. As noted by the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, the global community must resist “the false narrative of nuclear weapons being the ultimate provider of security.” Nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to our humanity and the planet. Only the total elimination of such weapons will effectively protect current and future generations from their use or threat of use.

 

5. It is unacceptable for a select group of States and their allies to defend the utility of nuclear deterrence in their military and security doctrines and policies, as this imperils the security of all States. The risks posed by nuclear weapons are only intensified further through quantitative and qualitative enhancements to nuclear arsenals, which are deeply disconcerting. Malaysia also reiterates its condemnation of any and all nuclear threats, whether explicit or implicit, and irrespective of the circumstances.  

 

6. Concerted efforts are required to prevent the erosion of vital instruments, including the NPT, which remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. The credibility and integrity of the NPT cannot be taken for granted, particularly in the wake of two consecutive review cycles without a substantive outcome. Renewed political will is essential in rebuilding trust and revitalising dialogue in good faith, as we approach the 11^th NPT Review Conference in 2026, and the Preparatory Committee meeting commencing later this month.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

7. The complementary role of other key treaties, including the TPNW, should be acknowledged. Following the recent 3^rd Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW, my delegation will continue collaborating with partners in the Treaty’s inter-sessional process, including in our role as Co-Chair of the informal working group on Article 4, together with the Philippines. 

 

8. As a State Party to the SEANWFZ or Bangkok Treaty, Malaysia underlines the invaluable contribution of nuclear-weapon-free zones to international peace and security. We should strive to strengthen existing zones and establish new zones in regions where they do not yet exist, including the Middle East.  

 

 

9. The norm against nuclear testing must also be upheld, recalling the suffering and damage inflicted upon affected communities and the environment. In this regard, the entry into force of the CTBT should not be deferred any further. 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

 

10. Under Working Group II, Malaysia appreciates Member States’ informative exchange of views, supported by expert briefings, on emerging technologies in the context of international security during last year’s session. Continued discussions may yield areas of consensus, without duplicating the work already being pursued under other dedicated multilateral platforms. We look forward to deepening our collective knowledge and developing common understandings concerning, inter alia, artificial intelligence in the military domain.    

 

11. In closing, rest assured of Malaysia’s readiness to engage constructively with all delegations in the interest of advancing the work of the UNDC. 

 

Thank you.