EXPLANATION OF VOTE BEFORE THE VOTE
BY REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
CLUSTER 5: OTHER DISARMAMENT MEASURES
AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH SESSION OF
THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 2 NOVEMBER 2022
Mr. Chairman,
Allow me to deliver Malaysia’s explanation of vote on the two draft resolutions and one draft decision under agenda item 94, “Developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security.”
2. My delegation would have preferred the consideration and adoption of a single document under this agenda item, so as to maintain the spirit of consensus, cohesion and common purpose evidenced during the last session of the First Committee.
3. Notwithstanding this position, Malaysia records its appreciation to France and the Russian Federation for tabling draft resolution L.73 and draft resolution L.23/Rev.1, respectively. We value the constructive approach taken by the main sponsors of these drafts, including several rounds of open informal consultations, as well as outreach to the Permanent Missions and capitals of Member States.
4. In our view, the main sponsors have each demonstrated flexibility and readiness to improve their drafts by incorporating input from other delegations, including Malaysia.
Mr. Chairman,
5. My delegation’s vote in favour of draft resolution L.73 on the proposed Programme of Action (POA) introduced by France is predicated on the potential value of this initiative in the domain of ICT security.
6. Nonetheless, as we have emphasised during informal consultations, it is imperative that the POA does not detract from the progress made, and important work being undertaken, by the OEWG on ICT Security (2021-2025).
7. Given the early introduction of the draft resolution on the POA, several years in advance of its targeted establishment, there are elements of principle and practicality which require careful consideration by all Member States as we move forward. This is to ensure that the POA process is able to deliver its intended outcome of operationalising the commitments of Member States relating to cybersecurity.
8. Based on consultations by France as the main sponsor, Malaysia understands that, in the implementation of draft resolution L.73, primacy will be accorded to the OEWG as the principal forum for deliberation and action on various ICT security issues under its mandate.
9. Further, we welcome the assurance of the main sponsor that close consultation with the Chair of the OEWG is envisaged at the implementation stage, so as to ensure streamlining and prevent any duplication of work or diversion of scarce resources.
10. Malaysia will also vote in favour of draft resolution L.23/Rev.1 presented by the Russian Federation, given the importance that my delegation attaches to the work of the OEWG. It is important that exchange of views on regular institutional dialogue on ICT security - including the most effective future format for such dialogue - should take place under the ambit of the OEWG, as stipulated in the draft.
Mr. Chairman,
11. Malaysia fully supports draft decision L.54 on the OEWG, tabled by Singapore.
12. Member States have made significant investments in the OEWG from its inception, in terms of time, resources and personnel. Now that the work of the OEWG is well under way, it is vital for us to ensure the fulfilment of its mandate in full.
13. Despite divergent views over particular initiatives and mechanisms at this year’s session of the First Committee, it is clear that all parties recognise the value of the OEWG, and the imperative of preserving its integrity and credibility.
14. The UN membership will have to decide whether and how to bring multilateral deliberations and action in the field of ICT security closer to consensus, as proved possible through the adoption of a single General Assembly resolution in 2021, as well as the adoption of the 2022 annual progress report of the OEWG. The alternative is a potential unravelling of hard-won progress, marked by division and polarisation.
15. Beyond the debates at hand, let us not lose sight of our common endeavours to preserve and enhance cybersecurity in the face of numerous challenges, for the benefit of all Member States.
Thank you.