STATEMENT BY
MR. SHIVANAND SIVAMOHAN
SECOND SECRETARY
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE THEMATIC DEBATE ON
REGIONAL DISARMAMENT AND SECURITY
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE 78TH SESSION OF THE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK, 25 OCTOBER 2023
Mr. Chairman,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the NAM, and by Brunei Darussalam on behalf of ASEAN.
2. In our efforts to free the world from the scourge of all weapons of mass destruction, nuclear-weapon-free zones remain crucial. The treaties underpinning these zones help prevent the further proliferation of nuclear weapons. Importantly, they also enable the provision of negative security assurances by the Nuclear-Weapon-States through legally binding protocols. Such assurances are vital, especially against a backdrop of increasing tensions in the international security environment.
3. Notwithstanding their contributions, the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones is not a substitute for the legal obligations and unequivocal undertakings of the Nuclear-Weapon States for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
4. In our own region, Malaysia remains committed to intensifying the efforts of all parties to resolve all outstanding issues in accordance with the objectives and principles of the SEANWFZ Treaty. We believe that the realisation of the full promise of SEANWFZ requires the signature and ratification of the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty by the Nuclear-Weapon-States.
Mr. Chairman,
5. My delegation reaffirms its support for the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. Malaysia underscores the importance of the 1995 Resolution on the Middle East, an integral and essential part of the package of decisions that enabled the indefinite extension of the NPT. The resolution remains valid until its objectives are achieved. Malaysia also welcomes the successful convening of the first three sessions of a conference to elaborate a treaty to establish the zone on the basis of arrangements freely arrived at by all States of the region, pursuant to General Assembly decision 73/546.
6. Malaysia remains gravely concerned over the developments in relation to the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. It is imperative for the concerned parties to resume dialogue to achieve the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
7. In the face of threats to the credibility and integrity of the international disarmament architecture, let us work together to ensure sustained dialogue and action on disarmament at the regional and global levels.
Thank you.