STATEMENT BY
MR. SHIVANAND SIVAMOHAN
FIRST SECRETARY
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE 67TH PLENARY MEETING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY [ITEM 63] USE OF THE VETO
(NON-PROLIFERATION/DPRK)
NEW YORK, 11 APRIL 2024
Mr. President,
Malaysia appreciates the convening of today’s plenary meeting of the General Assembly, following the use of the veto at the meeting of the Security Council held on 28 March 2024, under the agenda item “Non-proliferation/Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”
2. In the context of the broader UN reform process, debates of this nature are a means of increasing accountability, pending further regulation of the use of the veto and its ultimate abolition.
Mr. President,
3. My delegation reiterates that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only effective guarantee against the use or threat of use of such abhorrent instruments of war and destruction. As regards the Korean Peninsula, Malaysia is gravely concerned by developments relating to the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, and their
impact on international peace and security. We condemn the DPRK’s pursuit of these programmes, which exacerbates tensions and instability, and hinders the prospects of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
4. Malaysia strongly urges the DPRK to refrain from any further provocative and illegal acts, abide by its obligations under relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and its international commitments, and immediately cease its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
5. We also reaffirm the imperative of self-restraint by all concerned parties. The need for the resumption of dialogue in realising the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula cannot be overstated, particularly against a backdrop of heightened strains on the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture.
Mr. President,
6. Concerted action is urgently required on the part of the Security Council, which must, in discharging its mandate, accord due weight to genuine humanitarian considerations.
7. Malaysia regrets the lack of consensus in the Security Council in relation to the renewal of the mandate of the Panel of Experts supporting the 1718 Committee. It is our hope that members of the Security Council will intensify diplomatic efforts to reach convergence on this important issue, taking into account the legitimate concerns of all parties.
Thank you.
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