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STATEMENT BY

REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO

THE UNITED NATIONS

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

Malaysia associates itself with the statement delivered by the Republic of Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), as well as the statement delivered by Singapore on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

 

Mr. Chairman,                            

 

2.     The evolution of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has brought both tremendous opportunities 

and complex challenges. The advancement of new technologies in cyber space is revolutionizing all aspects of our lives. Such technologies not only contribute to economic growth and betterment of living conditions, but also protect the national security interest.

 

3.     ICTs are dual-use technologies. While it can be used for legitimate purposes, it also increase the nature and level of threats. The emerging threats in cyberspace are rapidly evolving and increasingly sophisticated. The weaponization of information technology, artificial intelligence and automated robots should be rejected, as it risks triggering a new arms race between nations.

 

4.     On this note, Malaysia reaffirms that the United Nations must continue to demonstrate leadership in the field of cyber security, which today impacts the work of governments, private sectors and ordinary individuals to an unprecedented degree. We support the endeavour by the Secretary-General in his Agenda for Disarmament to engage with Member States to help foster a culture of accountability and adherence to emerging norms, rules and principles on responsible behaviour in cyberspace.

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

5.     Malaysia is amplifying its national efforts in addressing cyber risks and threats from both operational and policy perspectives as a means to increase its expertise, capacities and capabilities in tackling this issue domestically, as well as to cope with the development and ongoing discussion on this matter on the global scale.

 

6.     In this context, Malaysia wishes to share that our Government is now in the midst of reviewing the National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) and developing a more contemporary Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS). MCSS will serve as a 5 year comprehensive strategy which will holistically encompass all aspects of Malaysia’s cyber security concerns including governance; legislation and enforcement; innovation, industry development, technology security and research & development (R&D); capacity building and awareness raising as well as encourage stronger international engagement and cooperation. It signifies our determination in recognising cyber security as one of the main priorities in our national security agenda.

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

7.     Malaysia reaffirms the need for multilateral cooperation in charting the way forward. We call on all parties to find common ground in addressing an area of great concern to the international community as a whole. It is imperative for all parties to ensure that the use of technologies should be fully in accordance and adherence to the UN Charter and international law. Respect for sovereignty of all nations as well as human rights should be placed as a basic principle in developing such technologies.

 

I thank you.