STATEMENT BY
REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO
THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON
DISARMAMENT MACHINERY
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 74TH SESSION OF
THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 31 OCTOBER 2019
Mr. Chairman,
1. Malaysia associates itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the statement delivered by Thailand on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Mr. Chairman,
2. Malaysia has always maintained a principled position on general and complete nuclear disarmament and believes that measures to achieve this goal should be undertaken through a multilateral process. In this regard, Malaysia reiterates the need for all states to work together to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the disarmament machinery, among others, the First Committee, the Conference on Disarmament (CD), and the United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC).
3. The First Committee is the realization of the international community’s faith in multilateral approaches on disarmament and international security matters. It serves as a main platform in addressing challenges, bridging gaps, and building consensus towards achieving the goal of a nuclear-weapons-free-world. It is of utmost importance for all of us here to ensure the success of this Committee’s deliberations and discussions. We need to ensure that any disputes are resolved diplomatically and amicably, so that the Committee can focus on its substantive responsibilities.
Mr. Chairman,
4. Malaysia reaffirms the role of Conference on Disarmament (CD) as the sole multilateral negotiating body on disarmament-related treaties. However, this role can only be realized if the CD re-conquers its relevancy as the forum for multilateral disarmament negotiations. It needs to overcome the deadlock with regard to its program of work. This deadlock undermines the credibility of the Conference and erodes the trust of the international community towards disarmament as a whole.
5. Malaysia will continue to support efforts undertaken by the CD that contribute towards general and complete disarmament. In this regard, Malaysia welcomes the establishment of supporting bodies such as groups of governmental experts (GGEs) in facilitating the formulation of substantive work for the CD. At the same time, the work of the GGEs should be considered by the CD on its own merits and not merely set aside due to well-known differences on position. Malaysia is also of the view that the membership of the CD should be opened to more UN Member States to promote greater inclusiveness and openness of the Conference.
Mr. Chairman,
6. Malaysia reaffirms the relevance and importance of the United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC) as the sole specialized and deliberative body within the multilateral disarmament machinery. Malaysia expresses regret at the inability of the UNDC to hold its substantive session this year and hopes that it will convene the substantive session in 2020.
7. Malaysia also fully supports the work of the UN Regional Centres for Peace and Disarmament, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region in advancing the goal of general and complete disarmament of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. Malaysia is of the view that these Centres play a vital role in promoting disarmament and non-proliferation, towards the maintenance of peace and security at the national, sub-regional and regional levels.
8. The global disarmament architecture is being strained and pulled apart. This Committee recognizes that. But to ensure that the disarmament architecture perseveres, recovers, and flourishes, we, as member states, need to ensure and strengthen the machinery that allows it to operate.
I thank you.
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