STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
HIGH-LEVEL PLENARY MEETING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO COMMEMORATE AND PROMOTE
THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE TOTAL ELIMINATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
NEW YORK, 26 SEPTEMBER 2024
Mr. President,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Non-Aligned Movement.
2. Today’s meeting is a timely reminder of the urgency of realising a world free of nuclear weapons - a goal underpinned by pressing security, moral and ethical imperatives. The false narrative of nuclear deterrence cannot be allowed to obscure the catastrophic consequences of any use of a nuclear weapon.
3. Malaysia deeply regrets that nuclear weapons continue to feature prominently in the military and security doctrines and policies of a select group of States, both individually and collectively. Unabated expansion and modernisation of nuclear arsenals, as well as resurgent nuclear rhetoric and threats, are also a matter of grave concern.
Mr. President,
4. Today, key instruments in the field of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control are in a precarious state. We must redouble our efforts to uphold the NPT as the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. The full and effective implementation by States of their NPT obligations and commitments - particularly those concerning nuclear disarmament - is essential for the security of all nations.
5. The TPNW reflects the earnest desire of States to free our world from the scourge of these abhorrent instruments of war and destruction. The TPNW is fully compatible with and complementary to the NPT. It plays an integral role in reframing debates and paradigms on nuclear weapons, drawing on the latest scientific and technical knowledge.
6. Malaysia welcomes the recent ratification of the TPNW by Indonesia, Sierra Leone and Solomon Islands. The steady advance of the TPNW should provide additional impetus for progress on other key elements of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture, including the CTBT and nuclear-weapon-free zones.
Mr. President,
7. Challenging times may also allow for significant breakthroughs. We must resist disillusionment at the status quo, and instead ensure that the global disarmament regime is fit for purpose.
8. On this commemorative day, let us renew our shared commitment to consigning nuclear weapons to the annals of history, in the interest of present and future generations.
Thank you.
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